Eyelid Twitches:
A repetitive, involuntary contraction of eyelids, is called Twitching.
A twitch, normally occurs in the upper lid, but it may occur in both the upper and lower lid as well.
Many people experience a very mild contraction, but in others, it might be a strong contraction, which results in the eyes to close completely.
Contraction, typically occurs every few seconds, for a minute or two.
Twitching is unpredictable. You may experience it on and off for several days. Later it may not occur for weeks or even months. In twitching, you do not experience any pain or harm, but it is irritating. Most of the contractions may disappear automatically, without any treatment.
Causes:
Twitching has no identifiable causes. Nevertheless, causes of eye twitching can be:
- Irritation of the eyes
- Stress on eyelids
- Fatigue
- Lack of Sleep
- Physical Stress
- Side effects of medicines
- Stress
- Alcohol, tobacco or caffeine intake
The frequency and intensity of the twitching may progress to spasms. It may remain localized to the area around the eye, which is known as “Benign Essential Blepharospasm“. This can involve one or both sides of the face. Sometimes the spasms involve the entire one half of the face, known as “Hemifacial Spasm“.
The following may make contraction of eyelid muscles, worse:
- Blepharitis or inflammation of the eyelid
- Conjunctivitis
- Dry eyes
- Due to wind, bright lights, sun or air pollution
- Sensitivity to light
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Smoking
Symptoms:
Wavikar Eye Institute, Thane, suggest the main Symptoms of Eyelid Twitches & the appropriate time to visit your Eye Doctor:
- When your eyes are red, swollen or has an unusual discharge
- You experience drooping eyelids
- Your eyelids tend to completely close, each time your eyelids twitch
- When twitching continues for several weeks.
- When twitching begins affecting other parts of your face
Treatment:
Wavikar Eye Institute, Thane, recommends the following treatments for the Eyelid Twitches:
- Less caffeine intake
- Adequate sleep
- Use of eye drops to keep your eyes lubricated
- Botox
- More cases of benign essential blepharospasm, can be treated by a surgery to remove some muscles and nerves in the eyelid.
Outlook by Wavikar Eye Hospital, Thane:
Eyelid twitches have many causes. The treatment that works and the outlook varies depending on the person.
Research is being done to see if there is a genetic link, but it does not seem to run in families.
Twitches related to stress, lack of sleep, and other lifestyle factors have the best outlook. If an underlying health condition is the cause, then treating the underlying condition is the best way to relieve the twitching.
