Eye twitching is mostly referred to as ‘eyelid twitching’ by people, however, its also referred to as “myokymia” in physician lingo. These annoying twitches usually affect only the lower eyelid of a single eye; however, the top eyelid also can twitch. Many eye twitches go and come, but there are times when a twitching eye can last for several months.
Virtually all eye twitching is benign. However, if it persists, it could be a sign of some serious neurological disease involving the eyelid — for example blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm. These conditions are much less common and must be treated and diagnosed by an experienced ophthalmologist.
Blepharospasm: Twitching in The Two Eyes
If the eye twitching occurs in both eyes, there’s a possibility you have blepharospasm. This is a chronic condition that is common in women over 50. Blepharospasm can advance into the replicated forceful closing of the eyes. Like most eye twitches, there isn’t any definite cause, but it might be worsened by anxiety, glowing lights, seeing too much TV, along with fatigue.
Here’s a list on 5 things you must know about Eyelid twitches:
Some common eye twitch triggers:
Dry eyes
Stress or anxiety
Allergies
Smoking or alcohol intake
Caffeine or specific medications
Infection due to lack of sleep
Eye strain caused by computer use, reading, tv, or bright lights
Eyelid twitches sometimes occur along with an eye disease or even an inflammation of the uterus called blepharitis.
If diminishing stress doesn’t alleviate the twitches, your eye doctor can conduct a refraction (eyesight test) and comprehensive eye health exam to determine whether eye therapy can resolve the problem.
Pressure, tiredness, eyestrain, caffeine alcohol or tobacco use, dry eyes, allergies or nutritional deficiencies are soem common factors that could trigger or exacerbate eye twitches. The body produces endogenous cortisol (a steroid) when stressed, which may cause biological warning signals to the entire body to de-stress.
Rarely, a twitch will last despite these attempts to alleviate triggers. In that circumstance, they are sometimes treated with Botox injections to help stop the muscles in your own eyelid from contracting.
Eyelid spasms are only considered a medical crisis when the twitch is accompanied by swollen or red eyes, unusual discharge, a drooping eyelid or twitching in other partsof the face. These may be symptoms of a more serious neurological disorder.
Self-Care Tips For Eye Twitching
The typical tips to get a twitch not because of an eye infection are to reduce the intake of caffeine, reduce your stress, and get some rest. But a stubborn eye twitching can become extremely annoying. To ease eye twitching, try applying hot compresses into the twitching eye and gently massaging on the eyelid with your palms. A warm compress can simply be a clean washcloth dampened with warm water. Lay your head back and use the warm cloth straight to a closed eyelid.
Most eye twitches will go away on their own with a couple of days. Take time to relax and eliminate stress in your everyday life. Restrict caffeine, get a lot of sleep, and make sure you take regular breaks from the computer.
