Eye Twitching: Symptoms, Types, Causes and Treatments

You might be deeply immersed in work when your eye suddenly twitches, causing a persistent flicker in your vision. This is known as eye-twitching. 

Eye twitching is an involuntary eye spasm caused by several factors, such as stress, eye strain or neurological disorders. While most cases of eye twitches are harmless, understanding their causes and potential complications can help you address them effectively. 

At EyeSelect, we can assess the cause of your eye twitching and recommend necessary treatments. In this blog, you’ll learn how to manage eye twitching, identify its symptoms, and understand when to seek professional help.

Symptoms of Eye Twitching

The primary symptom of eye twitching is the automatic contraction of the eyelid muscles. Other symptoms may include:

• Burning and itching eyes
• Increased rate of blinking
• Dry eyes
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Temporary visual disturbances
• Uncontrollable facial spasms

Types of Eyelid Twitches

There are three main types of eyelid twitches.

1. Myokymia

This is the most common type of eye twitching, brought on by stress and fatigue, resulting in small, repetitive flickers in your vision.

2. Benign Essential Blepharospasm

Uncontrollable eye movements such as blinking and twitching are common symptoms in this condition. This interferes with your daily activities, forcing your eyes to shut and limiting your sight. 

3. Hemifacial Spasm

In this condition, out-of-control contractions affect one side of the face, including the eyelid. It occurs when blood vessels in your face press on your nerves, leading to eyelid drooping, irritation and temporary facial paralysis.

Causes of Eye Twitching

External Factors

1. Stress and Fatigue

Emotional stress and lack of sleep can trigger eyelid twitches, especially myokymia. This usually goes away within a few days. Maintaining a low-stress lifestyle and reducing caffeine intake can prevent further eye twitching.

2. Eye strain

Excessive screen time, poor lighting, or dry eyes can lead to eye muscle fatigue, eye strain and eye twitching. Resting your eyes without screens is one of the ways to reduce eye strain.

3. Anxiety 

When your eye muscles and nerves are tense due to anxiety, your eyes become overstimulated, causing eye twitching and spasms. You can do grounding techniques and relaxation exercises to calm yourself.

4. Medications

Some hallucinogens such as LSD, phencyclidine (PCP) and mescaline may have side effects that can cause eyelid twitches.

Complications from Eye Twitching

Though most eye twitches are benign, severe or prolonged twitching can sometimes indicate underlying health issues, including:

 

• Bell’s Palsy: Sudden weakness in the facial muscles, including the eyelids.

• Spasmodic Torticollis: Painful neck muscle contractions that may affect the eyes.

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A neurological condition that damages the nerves, including those controlling eye movement.

• Parkinson’s Disease: A degenerative disorder affecting muscle control, including eyelid movements.

• Thyroid Disorders: Thyroid imbalances can lead to myokymia and eye muscle issues.

• Tourette Syndrome: A neurological disorder involving repetitive movements like eye twitching.

How to Stop Eye Twitching

Here are some home remedy tips to help reduce eye twitching.

1. Get enough rest: Have 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
2. Manage stress: Practise relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing.
3. Limit screen time: Reduce exposure to digital screens, especially before bedtime.
4. Take breaks: If you spend long hours in front of a computer screen, take regular breaks to rest your eyes.
5. Moisturise your eyes: You can use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to relieve dryness.
6. Avoid irritants: You should minimise exposure to allergens, dust and other irritants.

Treatment for Eye Twitching 

If eye twitches persist or bothers you, consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They can assess your condition and recommend appropriate treatment you need. 

Here are the treatment options below.

1. Over-the-counter medications: Antihistamines or decongestants help if allergies contribute to your eye twitching.
2. Botulinum toxin injections: For severe cases of benign essential blepharospasm, you can relax your eyelid muscles through Botox injections.
3. Prescribed medications: In some cases, prescription medications are necessary to address underlying medical conditions or reduce muscle spasms.
4. Surgery: This is another treatment option available for those with blepharospasm if injections don’t work. Eye twitching surgery involves removing some of your nerve tissues or eyelid muscles.

When Should You See An Optometrist?

You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Eye twitching that lasts for more than 2 weeks.
• Red, swollen, or discharge-producing eyes.
• Eye twitching that causes your eyelid to droop or close completely.
• Spasms that affect other parts of your face.

The Bottom Line

Eye twitching is a common condition caused by various factors. While eye twitches are safe, you still need to be aware of their potential complications and seek professional advice if your eye-twitching symptoms persist.

At EyeSelect, our optometrists are dedicated to providing comprehensive care and optometry services for your eyes. To learn more about eye care preventive measures and tips, browse through our blog posts.

We can diagnose the underlying cause of your eye twitching and recommend appropriate treatment options.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eye twitching a sign of a serious eye problem?

In most cases, no. Eye twitches are usually benign and temporary. However, if your eye twitching is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s best to consult an optometrist.

Can stress cause eye twitches?

Yes, stress is a common trigger for eye twitching. Managing stress through relaxation techniques can help reduce the frequency and severity of twitches.

Can contact lenses cause eye twitching?

Yes, eye twitching can be a side effect of wearing daily or monthly contact lenses, especially if they are expired or your prescription is outdated. These factors can lead to eye strain, which can cause your eyelid muscles to involuntarily twitch.

Can vitamin or mineral deficiency cause eye twitching?

Yes, eye twitching can also be caused by underlying nutrient deficiencies. Magnesium deficiency is a known potential culprit, as it can lead to muscle contractions, including those in the eyelid. While there’s limited research about the link between vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium deficiencies to eye twitching, they can contribute to overall muscle health.

Consider consulting a healthcare provider if your eye twitching persists. Healthcare professionals can conduct blood tests to assess your nutrient levels and recommend proper dietary adjustments and supplements for you.