Eye Twitching: Overview

Eye twitching is a symptom of eye spasms. Eye twitching refers to the repetitive, involuntary contractions or spasms of the muscles surrounding the eye, which can cause brief movements such as blinking or closure of the eyelids. Eye twitching is usually harmless.

Blepharospasm is any abnormal twitching or contraction of the eyelid. The condition must be distinguished from the more common and milder involuntary tremor of an eyelid, known as Eye twitching or Myokymia. However, in some cases, the spasms are chronic and persistent, causing lifelong challenges.

In severe instances, the spasms can result in functional blindness, as the person's eyelids feel as if they are closed and do not open without great effort. Despite having normal eyes, individuals may experience periods of effectively being blind due to their inability to open their eyelids. Reflex blepharospasm, by comparison, is triggered by any discomfort in and around the eye.

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Types of Eye Twitching(ocular contraction)

Eyelid contraction (myokymia)

This most common type of eyelid spasm can occur in the lids of one or both eyes and usually resolves on its own within a few days. Sleeping more, reducing stress, and reducing caffeine intake are effective treatments for myokymia.

Blepharospasm

This unusual form of involuntary motion involves both eyes and sometimes causes the eyelids to close completely during the spasm. The muscles around the eyes can also contract, and in some cases, the spasm spreads to the muscles of the mouth and neck. Botulinum toxin (Botox) treatment is often effective in relieving symptoms.

Hemifacial spasm

This more extreme spasm is a nervous system condition that most commonly results from the rubbing of a facial nerve by a blood vessel touching a facial nerve. In the hemifacial spasm, all the muscles on one side of the face contract involuntarily. Botox can relieve symptoms, but some patients require a neurosurgical procedure called microvascular decompression to treat the condition.

Causes of Eye twitching

Eyelid spasms can occur without an identifiable cause. As they are rarely a symptom of a serious issue, there is generally no investigation of the cause.

They can occur for the following reasons:

Stress

Stress is probably the most common cause of eye spasms. Ways to relieve the tension that can cause your eyelids to twitch are yoga, breathing exercises, spending time with friends or pets, and taking more breaks in your routine.

Fatigue

Lack of sleep, whether from stress or for some other reason, can trigger a shaky eyelid. Getting a steady 6 to 8 hours of sleep every night can help a lot.

Visual fatigue

Digital eye strain is also a common cause of eyelid spasms from prolonged use of screens, tablets, and smartphones.

Caffeine

Too much caffeine can cause eye spasms; try to consume as little as possible.

Alcohol

If you experience eye twitching after drinking beer, wine, or liquor, try abstaining for a while, and your eyelids may stop.

Dry eyes

Dry eyes are encountered by many adults, which can cause eyelid twitching. Dry eyes are also common among people over 50 and those who use computers, take certain medications (antihistamines or antidepressants, for example), wear contact lenses, and consume caffeine or alcohol.

Nutrition problems

A lack of certain nutritional substances, such as magnesium, can cause eyelid spasms, some reports suggest.

Allergies

Allergies can be the cause of itchy, swollen, and watery eyes. When the eyes are rubbed, this releases histamine into the eyelid tissues and tears, which can cause eyelid spasms. Neurological causes of eyelid twitch

Neurological causes of eyelid twitch

A more persistent eyelid twitch, or twitch in which the eyelid closes completely, perhaps a symptom of a neurological disorder that includes:

Attention deficit disorder
Blepharospasm (involuntary spasm or spasm of the eyelid)
Chronic motor tic disorder
Facial tic
Stroke
Tardive dyskinesia (slow or late-onset)
Tourette syndrome

Other causes include:

Cervical dystonia

This type of medical condition involves uncontrolled movement of the neck and head that twists into an uncontrollable position.

Bell's palsy:

This is a serious condition in which part of the face slopes downward. This can also result in the activation of a shaky eye.

Multiple sclerosis:

It is a disease of the central nervous system that causes movement problems and extreme fatigue.

Parkinson's disease:

This disease involves severe tremors of the limbs and muscles. A person with Parkinson's disease will have difficulty speaking, eating, and walking, as this disease causes muscle stiffness. This can also cause eye spasms.

Tourette syndrome

This is a neurological disorder that involves involuntary, repetitive movements and vocal sounds.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis And Treatments	Eyelid Myokymia	Benign Essential Blepharospasm	Hemifacial Spasm
Laterality Muscles Involved	Unilateral Orbicularis oculi	Bilateral Eyelid protractor muscles: orbicularis oculi, procerus, corrugate supercilii	Unilateral Muscles of facial expression innervated by facial nerve: eyelid protractors, frontalis, orbicularis oris, trian-gularis or mentalis, platysma
Persistence During Sleep	no	no	yes
Triggers	Stress, fatigue, excessive caffeine or alcohol intake	Stress, excessive caffeine intake, driving, watching television, reading, light exposure, certain eye or head positions	Anxiety, stress, fatigue, sleep deprivation, reading, light exposure, chewing, certain head positions
Imaging	Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain if refractory (to rule out multiple sclerosis and/or brainstem tumor)	None	Magnetic resonance imaging of brain
Primary Treatment	Avoidance of triggers	Botulinum toxin injections	Botulinum toxin injections

How to prevent Eye Twitching:

If your eyes are sometimes narrow, you can take steps to reduce your symptoms:

Do not consume caffeine
Get enough sleep
Reduce stress
Reduce other sources of eye irritation. This could be through the use of eye drops.
Wear sunglasses when necessary.

When to visit a Doctor?

With rest, stress relief, and a reduction in caffeine, eye spasms normally go away on their own within a few days or weeks.

Make an appointment with your doctor if:

The spasms do not go away in a few weeks.
Your eyelid closes completely with each contraction, or you have difficulty opening your eye
Spasms also occur in other parts of the face or body
Your eye is red or swollen or has a discharge
Your eyelids are drooping

Home Remedies for Eye twitching

Banana

One of the main reasons why your eyes twitch is a lack of potassium and magnesium. And since bananas are packed with both of these minerals, they help fight eye spasms.

Warm compress

A quick and easy remedy is to apply a warm compress on the eyelids; it is suitable for sudden movements of the eye.

Splash of warm water

Another very effective technique is to splash warm water in the eyes to alleviate the disorder. Alternatively, you can clean your lashes with warm water.

Rosewater

Rose water is a very effective cleanser for eliminating eye spasms. Keep rosewater in the refrigerator. Use cotton to dip it in cold rose water and compress your tired eyes with it. Since one of the reasons your eyes are shaking is tiredness, this remedy is sure to bring you immense relief.

Potato

Potatoes have a similar cooling effect. Relaxes the eye muscles and provides ample relief. Take the potato, cut it into small, thin slices, and place your eyes on the potato slices.

Take a good rest
Wash your eyes with cold water from time to time
Look away from computers and devices from time to time
Practice the palms technique to relieve stress from your eyes; just rub your hands and place them over your eyes
Hydrate by drinking plenty of water, at least 8-10 glasses a day