Twitches in the eyelids are not uncommon and could be due to several causes, including eye strain, irritation or sleep deprivation. Persistent and prolonged spasms can be a sign of a variety of conditions.
A contraction or twitch of the eyelid is an involuntary and repetitive contraction of eyelid muscles.
Eyelid twitches are typically seen at random intervals lasting minutes to an hour. The twitching can take a couple of days or a few weeks.
Most cramps aren’t painful, non-invasive, and resolve themselves without treatment.
Sometimes, the eyelid spasms can be a sign of a recurring condition of movement, especially when coupled with others’ facial movements or compulsions that are uncontrollable.
What exactly is Eye Twitching?
Eye twitching is an extremely common but sometimes acquired disease that can be classified into two groups:
Eyelid myokymia is a mild form a few times daily in most patients who do not need treatment.
Benign essential blepharospasm type of condition is characterized by continuous, uncontrollable contractions, resulting in either complete or partial eyelids closing. People with benign essential blepharospasm can suffer from impaired function and need ongoing therapy.
What causes eye twitching?
The precise cause for eye twitching isn’t known; however, it can be caused or worsened by various causes, such as:
- Stress
- Eye strain
- Certain medicines and substances include caffeine
- Eyes that are dry, irritated or itchy
- Sleep deprivation
Eye Twitching Signs
The eyelid muscles can cause twitching or even blinking, which is involuntary. The slight twitching in the eyelid may feel less noticeable than it could be. Observers do not usually observe a blinking eyelid on someone else.
For more serious cases, the twitching may cause a forceful closing of the eyelids lasting for minutes, seconds, or even hours. The symptoms may become more obvious as time passes.
How long does the eye twitching usually be?
It’s usually short-lived, disappears by itself and does not affect the quality of your vision.
What should I do in order to make my eyes twitching disappear?
- Restful, quality nights of sleep.
- Be careful with your caffeine consumption in the form of tea, coffee, or even sodas.
- Reduce stress by exercising, deep breathing medications, or relaxing from stressful circumstances.
- Maintain your eyes hydrated with cool drops for the eyes.
Problems
The twitching of the eyes is commonplace and does not require medical intervention.
However, chronic eyelid spasms could indicate an even more serious brain or nervous system problem, for example:
- Bell’s palsy (facial palsy)
- dystonia
- spasmodic torticollis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Tourette syndrome
See a doctor if you are suffering from chronic eyelid spasms and some of the symptoms listed below:
- The eye appears swelling or red or is discharged in a strange manner
- Your upper eyelid is falling down
- Your eyelids completely shut when your eyelids move
- The twitching is constant for several weeks
- The twitching can affect other areas of your facial
- If you believe you are suffering from an eye injury, Contact an optometrist or an ophthalmologist immediately. Corneal scratching can lead to permanent damage to the eyes.
Treatment
Most eyelid spasms disappear with no treatment in a couple of days.
If they do not go completely, look to minimize or eliminate possible causes through:
- drinking less caffeine
- getting sufficient sleeping
- Doing your best to keep your eyes well-lubricated by using artificial tears that are available at the pharmacy or drops for your eyes
- Apply a hot compress on the eyes when you feel a spasm beginning
- Talk to your physician if the eye is twitching constantly and disrupting your everyday activities.
Based on the underlying cause, additional treatments are possible depending on the cause, for example:
- Antibiotics
- botulinum toxin (botox)
- surgical procedure
- Botox injections aid in treating benign essential blepharospasm. They can ease spasms that are severe for several months. However, once the effects of the injection fade, you may require additional injections.
Surgical intervention may be necessary to eliminate some muscles and nerves in the eyelids (myectomy) for cases that are more severe with benign essential blepharospasm.
If I should consult a physician about the eye’s twitch?
If the situation is more serious, the eyelids can close violently, last for several minutes or seconds, and become more apparent. In the event of this, it is important to see an eye doctor to rule out any other issues. Some people experience neurologic issues like blepharospasm or hypertonia, which can create eyelid muscles that close. The conditions can generally close the eyelids to the fullest extent and for longer durations. These conditions can restrict or even hinder sight. The hemifacial spasm can cause the muscles of other parts of the facial area.
If the twitching continues for several weeks or you have trouble opening your eyes or seeing, speak to your physician. It is possible to benefit from oral medicines or botulinum injections. If injected beneath the skin near the eyes, the botulinum toxin will reduce muscle tension and stop spasms for several months.