If Your Eyes Can’t Stop Twitching,
This Is For You

Many of us have been there: We’re working a late night, staring at the computer, when our eyelid starts twitching. Or the eye twitch seems to come out of nowhere — but life has been stressful lately. 

Eye twitching, or muscular contractions in the eyelids of one or both eyes, is incredibly common, and usually harmless. Yet it can sometimes indicate a serious condition. Read on to learn when you need to be concerned, and what you can do about eyelid twitching.

How Long Does Eye Twitching Last?

Depending on the cause, eye twitching can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, or even longer. For example, eyelid twitching from caffeine, fatigue, and eye strain typically happens off and on until you rest your eyes. 

On the other hand, nutritional imbalances, medications, and allergies can cause twitching for days or weeks, until you adjust your diet, alter your medications, or get rid of the allergen.

Fortunately, almost all eyelid twitching is benign and will go away within a few days. If it lasts longer than two weeks or you have other symptoms like swelling, redness, or drooping, you should contact your doctor. 

What’s Causing My Eye to Twitch?

The causes of eye twitching can range from common triggers, such as stress or caffeine, to serious disorders. If you’re concerned, you should always talk to a doctor.

Myokymia

Myokymia is a minor, continuous lower eyelid twitching in one or both eyes. It can last up to a week, and is usually caused by one of the following things:

• Caffeine: Too much caffeine can trigger eye twitching. Try cutting back on coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks for a week or two and see if it disappears.
• Eye strain: If you need glasses or need to update your prescription, your eyes could be straining to see. Digital eye strain from looking at a computer screen for a long time can also cause eye twitching. 
• Nutritional imbalances: Lack of magnesium can trigger an eye twitch. Eating a well-balanced diet is one of the best tips for eye health. 
• Stress: Breathing exercises, spending time with friends or pets, and getting more down time into your schedule are among the many ways to reduce eye twitching caused by stress.
• Fatigue: A lack of sleep, whether because of stress or other reasons, can trigger eyelid twitching. Catching up on your sleep can help.
• Dry eyes: Dry eyes can cause irritation and involuntary muscle spasms in the eyelids, leading to twitching. Using lubricating eye drops or artificial tears can help.
• Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as those for seizures and high blood pressure, can cause eye twitching. Consult your doctor to discuss possible alternatives or adjustments.

Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm is a condition that causes eye twitching or blinking due to involuntary muscle contractions. It begins with increased blinking or mild eye irritation, but over time becomes more severe and can even impact your vision. 

There are two main types of blepharospasm: primary and secondary. Primary blepharospasm occurs without an apparent underlying cause, while secondary blepharospasm results from another condition, such as eye irritation, neurological disorders, or side effects of certain medications.

In addition to eyelid spasms, you might experience dry eyes or excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and a feeling of grittiness or discomfort in the eyes. The spasms can also spread to other facial muscles, leading to facial twitching or grimacing. If your eye twitching lasts more than a few weeks or you have these other symptoms, you should talk to a neurologist or ophthalmologist.

Blepharospasm can run in families and is more common in middle-aged women. Your doctor will take a thorough medical history and perform a full eye exam. Treatment options include medications, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, and in severe cases, a surgery called myectomy, which involves removing some muscle or nerve tissue. 

Neurological Conditions

If your eye twitching is persistent and accompanied by other symptoms, it's important to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause. There are several neurological conditions that may have eyelid twitching as a symptom: 

• Bell’s palsy is a sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face. Symptoms are more severe than an eye twitch, usually involving drooping eyelids or problems closing your eyelids.
• Dystonia causes involuntary muscle contractions, including eye twitching. It also causes repetitive movements, abnormal postures, and difficulty with coordination.
• Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It can cause vision problems, weak and numb limbs, tremors, and eyelid spasms due to nerve damage.
• Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms include rigid muscles, slow movements, changes in speech, and tremors that affect the facial muscles, including the eyelids. 
• Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements, including eye twitching, blinking, head jerking, and shrugging, as well as vocalizations. 

How to Stop Eye Twitching on Your Own

You can often treat eye twitches caused by myokymia on your own at home. If your symptoms are mild and haven’t been going on for a long time, try these remedies:

• Reduce stress: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to lower stress levels.
• Get some sleep: Ensure you get enough rest each night to prevent fatigue-related eye twitching.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol: Reduce intake of these substances, which can contribute to eye twitching.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, which can cause muscle spasms.
• Use artificial tears: Lubricating eye drops can relieve dry eyes and reduce eye twitching.
• Apply heat: Apply a warm compress to relax your eye muscles.

When Is Eye Twitching Concerning?

Eye twitching could indicate a serious problem if it persists for more than two weeks or occurs alongside other symptoms like eye swelling, redness, drooping, facial spasms, or muscle weakness. You should seek medical advice in these cases. 

A doctor will evaluate your condition and may suggest eye twitching treatments like prescription medications, Botox injections to relax the muscles, or addressing underlying conditions like dry eyes or stress. Early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause can help prevent complications.

Here to Answer All Your Questions About Twitching Eyelids

Eyelid twitching can be harmless, but it can also indicate a potentially serious underlying condition. If you’re confident you can trace your symptoms to a mild cause, like caffeine, fatigue, or eye strain, you can try treating it at home. But if your eye twitch lasts more than a few weeks or is severe, you should consult an eye care professional. 

If you’re concerned about eye twitching, schedule an appointment at a nearby Pearle Vision EyeCare Center. Our doctors can help you get to the bottom of your symptoms and create a treatment plan to get you back to your normal routine.

Eye Twitching FAQ

What causes eye twitching?

Eye twitching can be triggered by various factors, including stress, tiredness, eye strain, caffeine, or nutritional imbalances. It can also be a symptom of more serious neurological conditions.

How long does eye twitching usually last?

Most eye twitches are temporary and go away on their own within a few hours or days.

How can I make my eye stop twitching?

Simple solutions like getting more sleep, reducing stress, and limiting caffeine may help. If twitches are frequent or severe, a medical professional can offer additional eye twitching treatment options.

My eye is twitching, and I feel dizzy. What does this mean?

Eye twitching paired with dizziness can sometimes be a sign of a serious issue. It's best to consult a doctor to determine the cause.

When should I see a doctor about eye twitching?

Seek medical attention if eye twitching is persistent (lasting several weeks), severe, affects other parts of your face, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.