Eye Twitching: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Eye twitching is a common and usually harmless condition, but that doesn't make it any less uncomfortable. In this blog post, we'll discuss potential causes of eye twitching, associated symptoms to look out for, and treatment methods you can explore if the issue persists. Take control of your health and learn more about the symptoms below.
What is Eye Twitching?
Eye twitching is a symptom of an involuntary spasm of the eye muscles. It occurs when nerve cells misfire, causing the lid to twitch or flutter. Myokymia is one type of eye twitching that usually affects just one eyelid and may come and go throughout the day. Benign essential blepharospasm is a more severe form of eye twitching which involves both eyelids and can cause them to close completely. While this condition is usually not dangerous, it can be irritating and affect vision.
Eye Twitch Causes
Most of the time, eyelid twitching is a common, temporary, and not very serious condition that can affect any age group. It can occur in one or both eyes, and the twitch lasts seconds or minutes. Common causes of eye twitching include:
Fatigue and stress - Prolonged physical or emotional exhaustion periods can cause the muscles around the eyes to spasm, resulting in an eyelid twitch.
Eye strain - Spending long periods of time looking at a computer screen or other digital devices can lead to eye strain, which can cause eyelid twitches. Excessive exposure to bright lights can also cause eye strain.
Dry or irritated eyes - A lack of moisture in the eyes can cause an eye twitch. It is often caused by reduced blinking due to dry air or spending too much time in front of a computer or television.
Allergies - Eye twitches can be a symptom of allergies, such as hay fever. In this case, the eye twitch is usually accompanied by other allergic symptoms and will subside once the allergen is removed.
Caffeine - Too much caffeine intake can cause an eye twitch. Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause muscles to twitch, affecting the nervous system. Reducing caffeine from your diet may help reduce or eliminate an eyelid twitch.
Not enough sleep - Lack of sleep affects the body's ability to function properly, which can cause eyelid twitches.
Very rarely, eye twitching can be caused by an underlying health condition of brain problems or nervous system disorders, such as:
Bell's palsy
Multiple sclerosis
Dystonia
Tourette syndrome
Hemifacial spasm
Parkinson disease
Brain damage from inflammation or a stroke. It is especially true for the thalamus, basal ganglia, or brain stem.
Meige syndrome - a nervous system movement disorder.
Symptoms of Eye Twitching
Eye twitching causes involuntary movement of the eyelid or eyelid spasms. It varies in severity and frequency. In addition to eyelid spasms, here are some other symptoms:
Increased blinking
Light sensitivity
Facial spasms
Who is at risk of eye twitch?
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing eye twitching. One possible factor is genetics. If eye twitching runs in your family, you may be more likely to experience it yourself. Additionally, a head injury will likely increase the risk of eyelid twitching.
Eye Twitching Diagnosis
In most cases, no specific tests are required to diagnose eye twitching, but they can be diagnosed through a physical exam or medical history.
During a physical exam, a healthcare provider may ask questions about the patient's symptoms, underlying medical conditions, medications, caffeine consumption, and stress levels. They may also perform a thorough eye exam to check for abnormalities or underlying conditions causing the eye twitches.
Blood tests, MRI or CT scan, or an electromyography (EMG) may be ordered to rule out underlying medical conditions.
How to stop eye twitching?
While eye twitching can be annoying and uncomfortable, most cases resolve independently without treatment. In cases where eye twitching is persistent and affecting your quality of life, several treatment options may help.
Medications: Certain medications, such as anticonvulsants or muscle relaxants, may be prescribed by your healthcare professional to help control the muscle spasms that cause eye twitches.
Anti-wrinke injections: Rarely, in more severe cases, your healthcare professional may recommend injecting anti-wrinkle into the affected muscles to temporarily paralyse them and stop the twitching.
Surgery: Rarely, surgery may be necessary to remove the source of the muscle spasms causing the twitching.
Complications of Eye Twitching
Persistent or severe eye twitches could damage your eyelids. It can cause complications, such as:
Upper eyelid and eyebrow resting lower than normal
Extra skin in the lower or upper eye
Abnormal folding of eyelids
Managing Eye Twitching
Eye twitching can be an annoying and frustrating experience. While this symptoms are often harmless, it may be a sign of an underlying condition or disorder that needs to be addressed. To help cope with and reduce eye-twitching episodes, consider the following strategies:
Stress Management
Stress is a common trigger for eye twitching. Taking steps to help manage stress can lessen the frequency and severity of episodes. Consider taking regular breaks throughout the day, engaging in relaxation activities like yoga or tai chi, and setting aside time for hobbies you enjoy.
Get Adequate Rest
Eye twitching is often associated with fatigue or lack of sleep. Make sure to get enough restful sleep each night by creating a relaxing pre-bedtime routine.
Avoid Stimulants
Caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and nicotine can all aggravate eye twitching. Consider eliminating or reducing your intake of these substances to reduce stress on your eyes.
Use Artificial Tears
Dryness in the eyes is another common trigger for eye twitching. Artificial tears (eye drops) can help moisten and lubricate your eyes.
Wear Eye Concepts Eyewear
Eyewear protects your eyes from dust and allergens, which may cause your eye to twitch.
Conclusion
Eye twitching is a common symptom caused by stress, fatigue, eye strain, allergies, and other underlying conditions. If your eye twitches persistently or severely affects your quality of life, treatments are available to help manage the condition. Reducing stress and caffeine intake and getting adequate rest can help reduce episodes of eye twitching. Wearing protective eyewear can also help protect your eyes from irritants and allergens that may cause or worsen eye twitching.