Many of us have experienced the sensation of a twitching eye. Not only can it be uncomfortable, it can also be a considerable annoyance as well. Typically, it seems as if it comes out of nowhere with one minute being perfectly normal and just a moment later, your eye feels as if it is ready to pop out of it’s socket! Because of the muscle or nerve that is spasming and shaking, it makes you squint and you may worry about what is really going on. If you have ever wondered about a twitchy eye, this will answer your questions.
First of all, it’s important to recognize that not every type of twitchy eye is the same as another. Each condition is considered separate, even though the symptoms may be similar. That is due to the fact that they are all caused by different underlying conditions. The most common form of eye twitching is known as Myokymia, also referred to as “eyelid twitching.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, Myokymia only affects the eyelid, although it can affect either the upper or lower lid. It will also only affect one eye at a time. For some individuals, the effect is barely noticeable but for others, it can be quite annoying. This type of eye twitching usually goes away within a few hours but it could last for days in some cases. The twitching is caused by small muscles and nerves located in the area of the eye. Similar to the way any muscle can experience sudden spasms, your eye muscles can also experience the same. It is not a serious problem and it is fairly normal.
Another type of eye twitching, and one that should cause some concern, is known as a blepharospasm. This occurs when both of the eyelids twitch at the same time and it gradually gets worse over time. For some individuals, blepharospasm gets to the point where it could lead to complete blindness. It is a rare occurrence but if it happens to you, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
There is still a lot that has yet to be learned about eyelid twitching but doctors and scientists have narrowed down certain factors that typically lead to the problem. In the video at the end of this article, Dr. Matthew Palmer, from the Southwestern Eye Center, discusses eye twitching basics and lets us know that in most cases, it is not a serious cause for concern. Most people experience it throughout their lifetime but there are some things that you can do that can cut down on the problem when it occurs.
1. Relax and De-Stress – One of the contributing factors to eye twitching is stress. It is thought to be the main cause of myokymia but if you are experiencing it for other reasons, stress may exaggerate the situation.
2. Get Some Sleep – A lack of sleep can cause problems throughout your entire body but your eyes are especially susceptible to those types of issues. Throughout the day, you are constantly focusing and refocusing and it can wear on your eye muscles. Like any muscle in the body, the muscles in the eyes can become fatigued. In addition to muscle fatigue, lack of sleep can also lead to stress, which we discussed earlier.
3. Caffeine – Another option for those who are suffering from eye twitching is to remove some or all of the caffeine from your diet. Caffeine is a common trigger of eye twitching directly, but it may also add to the problem indirectly as well. When you intake caffeine, your body may release noradrenaline and serotonin, chemicals that have a stimulating effect on the nerves.
Understanding the three primary reasons why eyelid twitching takes place can help to reduce the issue or may help you to avoid it altogether. There are also medications that can help with the problem, if it becomes a severe issue.
One medication that is commonly used for eyelid twitching is Botox. Since it has a paralyzing effect on the muscles where it is injected, it may help if it is injected near the eye.
Most people do not need to have injections for eyelid twitching, as it will typically go away on its own. You can rest assured that no neurological conditions are associated with eyelid twitching, so don’t feel as if you have a deeper problem when it begins to occur. It is usually a normal occurrence and should go away within a few moments.
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