What Frequent Eye Twitching Might Indicate, Expert Explains

Have you ever wondered why sometimes your eyelids blink involuntarily? This is called  eye twitching. Eye twitching is the sudden abnormal movement of your eyelids associated with incomplete blinking, which may happen anytime during the day. It usually occurs when there is a problem with a facial muscle which is responsible for the movement of your eyelids. It is normally not a cause of worry as it occurs for a short span of time; however, it may affect your vision and cause trouble in your daily life if the condition aggravates. As we all know, prevention is better than cure; let us learn the causes and prevention tips of eye twitching from our expert Dr Achal Singhal, DNB Ophthalmology, 2nd-year resident doctor. 

What Causes Eye Twitching?

The conditions that can trigger eye twitching are as follows:

• Fatigue
• Excess consumption of caffeine
• Alcohol consumption
• Exposure to bright light
• Irritation of inner eyelids or surface of your eyes
• Stress
• Smoking
• Pollution

Medical conditions Causing Eye Twitching

Some of the medical conditions that can cause eye twitching are as follows:

Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm is a health condition that causes blinking and involuntarily closing of both of your eyes. People with this condition have difficulty keeping their eyes open. 

Hemifacial Spasm

Hemifacial spasm involves the contraction of muscles on one side of your face along with your eyelids. 

Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s palsy is a condition which makes one side of your face lose sensation, and the patient is unable to close his eyes.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a brain condition that can cause various problems like muscle stiffness, difficulty in speaking, balance problems, and trembling of your limbs. 

How Can I Stop Eye Twitching?

Frequent eye twitching can make you comfortable and hamper your daily activities. You can follow some of these measures to stop your eyes from twitching:

Sleep

Insufficient sleep never benefits anyone, so sleep at least six hours to avoid eye twitching.

Avoid Caffeine

As caffeine may trigger your eye to twitch, therefore it is necessary to avoid caffeine. So watch out for the cups of coffee that you take.

Reduce Stress

In this fast-paced life, one is often stressed for various reasons, so take time out of yourself and do things you enjoy. You can practice meditation and exercises, listen to music, etc, to manage your stress levels and get some relaxation.

Also Read: Warning Signs To Look Out For Stress And Tips To Deal With It

Lubricate Your Eyes

You can use artificial tear eye drops to keep your eyes lubricated. 

Warm Compress

To stop eye twitching, try placing a warm compress over your eyes. Make sure you are closing your eyes when applying the compress, and do not apply it for more than 10 secs.

When Should You Contact A Doctor?

You should visit an ophthalmologist right away if you notice any of these symptoms of an eye twitching.

• If the eye twitching lasts for a longer time or more than a few days
• If you have red eyes 
• If you notice twitching in other parts of your body
• Discharge from the eyes
• If you experience blurred vision in one or both of your eyes
• If you experience frequent blinking of the eyes when exposed to light

Takeaway

Stress and fatigue are the two main causes of eye twitching. Eye twitching can get worse if you have dry eyes, red eyes, conjunctivitis, excess watering, or swelling of the middle area of your eyes. You should exercise and ensure that you get a good amount of sleep. You should contact an ophthalmologist immediately if you are experiencing increased difficulty with this condition. It is advisable to reduce the screen timing and avoid binge-watching to avoid putting a strain on your eyes.