Eye Twitching: Causes, Treatment, and Solutions

An eye twitch is something most of us have experienced. Although eye twitches are not a major concern and are mostly not intrusive in everyday functioning, they may cause discomfort and distraction. Hence, it is important to know the cause of eye twitching and what you need to do about it. 

What is Eye Twitching?

An eyelid twitch or contraction is a repetitive and involuntary spasm of the eyelid muscles. Eyelid twitches are involuntary, sporadic, and unpredictable. It can last from a few seconds to hours. 

Most twitches subside on their own. They do so without any medical care and are painless and harmless. 

Eyelid twitches are a common phenomenon and may be caused due to different reasons. Some of the causes may be eye irritation, strain, or lack of sleep. 

Chronic and persistent eye twitching could indicate a more serious underlying health condition that needs prompt medical attention. Very rarely, eye twitches may point to a chronic movement disorder if accompanied by other involuntary facial tics or movements. 

Types of Eye Twitches

There are three categories of eye twitches, depending on their frequency, severity, and cause.

Myokymia:

This is the most common type of eye twitch and requires no medical intervention. Myokymia is a twitch that typically affects the lower eyelid. The twitches feel like gentle, mild tics or flickers. Some may feel occasional spasms that force the upper and lower lids shut. The causes of myokymia are usually related to common environmental factors, eye fatigue and lack of sleep and rest. However, if these twitches are persistent, they could be a sign of an underlying condition.

Benign essential blepharospasm

Some long-lasting eyelid twitching can indicate benign essential blepharospasm, which causes the involuntary shutting of one or both eyelids. Initially, one may blink or wink when the spasms occur, but chronic spasms may cause the eyelids to shut for a long time, impacting normal functioning. 

Twitching eyelids may worsen, causing blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light and facial spasms. While the exact cause of blepharospasm is unknown, it is believed to be linked to abnormal function in the basal ganglia, the part of the brain responsible for controlling movement. This condition is usually seen in the elderly and is known to affect females more than males. Muscle relaxants can help in managing blepharospasms.

Hemifacial spasm

Hemifacial spasm is a neuromuscular disorder that constricts the muscles of one side of the face. It is usually caused by an artery exerting pressure on the facial nerve near the brainstem. Such eyelid twitches affect only one eye. 

Typically, eyelid twitching starts occasionally with one eyelid. However, these spasms may gradually lead to the shutting of one eye and the mouth being pulled to one side. This condition is known to affect women more than men and seems to be more common in Asian people. In rare cases, hemifacial spasms may also be caused by multiple sclerosis or a tumour affecting the facial nerve.

Causes of Eye Twitching

Some factors can cause eye twitching as below:

Lifestyle and environmental factors like fatigue and lack of rest or sleep, stress, anxiety, eye strain, lack of exercise, increased screen time, excessive caffeine, nicotine and alcohol consumption, pollution, and weather changes are known causes of eye twitching. 

Underlying medical conditions like eye infections such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, etc., eye irritation, dry eyes or corneal abrasion, migraines, chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis, dystonia, Meige syndrome, Bell’s palsy, Huntington’s disease, and certain medications can also be a reason for the eye twitch. It is better to check with a doctor to understand the eye twitching causes. 

If you suffer from excessive eye twitching, ensure you visit an ophthalmologist immediately. They will be able to assess the reasons for the twitch and, based on the diagnosis, start on the appropriate course of treatment. 

Eye Twitching Complications

Although eyelid twitches are fairly harmless and common, persistent and chronic twitching may be indicative of a more serious medical condition, usually related to the brain or nervous system.

You must immediately consult an ophthalmologist if eye twitches are accompanied by redness, swelling, or unusual discharge. In conditions where Eyelids are  shut completely for a long time, eyelids are drooping, or twitching spreads to other parts of the face, prompt medical intervention is needed. Eye twitching caused after an eye injury can also point to further underlying complications.

Persistent or severe eye twitching could be a symptom of underlying neurological conditions such as dystonia, Bell’s palsy, spasmodic torticollis, multiple sclerosis, Tourette syndrome, and Parkinson’s disease.

How to Stop Eye Twitching?

If you are wondering how to stop eye twitching, it is important to know that eyelid twitches often subside on their own without medical treatment. To prevent eye spasms, one could consider:

• Moderating the intake of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol
• Reducing the strain on the eyes 
• Getting enough sleep and rest
• Ensuring eyes are lubricated
• Applying a warm compress at the onset of eye twitches

Muscle relaxants and Botox injections could be used as eye-twitching remedies for severe forms of eye twitches. For severe cases of blepharospasm, a myectomy (surgical removal of some eyelid muscles) may be needed. Your doctor will be able to guide you through the course that you need to follow. 

How to Prevent Eye Twitches?

The obvious way to prevent eye twitches is to ensure good eye health and hygiene. Maintaining good nutrition and vitamin balance, getting enough rest and sleep and preventing exposure of the eye to intense light, dust, smoke, etc. will help. 

Become aware of the frequency or pattern of the eye twitches, along with other factors like caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol intake, screen time, stress levels, and sleep quality.

Maintaining adequate levels of magnesium and vitamin D may also help prevent eye twitching, as deficiencies in these nutrients have been linked to muscle spasms.

Conclusion

Eye twitches are not a cause for concern. If one is aware of the nature of the twitches and other accompanying symptoms, they can be managed and treated accordingly. 

The causes of eye twitches are different for every person, and if one is mindful of the presenting symptoms of twitches and other accompanying signs, medical intervention can prevent a lot of complications. Consistent maintenance of good health, prevention measures, and prompt medical treatment can help protect our windows of vision.