At some point in time, you may have noticed your eyelids—upper or lower—flicker for no reason, mostly one eye at a time. This is called eye twitching, or myokymia, a common condition that happens to most people. The good news is that it is mostly harmless and goes away on its own, without any medical treatment. However, in certain cases, especially if the twitching is continuous, it could be a sign of a more concerning health issue.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Avani Sapovadia, Cornea and Refractive Consultant at Netradeep Maxivision Eye Hospital, Rajkot, discusses the possible causes of eye twitching and whether or not it could be tied to an underlying neurological condition.
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Possible Causes Of Eye Twitching
Eye twitching is an involuntary muscle contraction of the eyelids that is usually harmless and only lasts a short while.
According to Dr Sapovadia, some of the most common causes include fatigue, stress, excess caffeine, or alcohol intake.
She says, "Eye strain from prolonged screen time, dry eyes, or allergies may also trigger twitching."
Additionally, nutritional deficiencies, like magnesium or potassium, and neurological conditions, such as blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm, can also be underlying causes, as per the doctor.
When Should You Start Worrying?
In most cases, eye twitching is not a cause for concern.
However, if it persists for more than a week, affects both eyes, or is accompanied by other symptoms, like drooping eyelids, facial spasms, or difficulty with vision, it could be concerning. Moreover, if the twitching is severe, interferes with daily activities, or is accompanied by pain, redness, or swelling, it is best to seek medical attention, recommends Dr Sapovadia.
Is It A Neurological Issue?
The expert says that eye twitching can be linked to neurological issues like blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm, where muscles contract involuntarily.
Blepharospasm is a neurological condition that causes uncontrollable blinking, spasms, or even the forceful closure of both eyelids.
Hemifacial spasm is a chronic condition that involves involuntary twitching on one side of your face. These spasms affect the muscles controlled by the facial nerve, usually starting around the eye with eyelid fluttering.
Eye-twitching associated with neurological conditions can be identified by certain symptoms. These include:
- Facial spasms
- Involuntary eye closure
- Difficulty controlling facial movements
Finding A Solution
According to Dr Sapovadia, prompt evaluation is crucial to prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.
She says, “Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, neurological examination, and sometimes imaging tests like MRI to rule out underlying conditions. Electromyography (EMG) measures muscle activity and can confirm nerve-related twitching. Neurological consultation aids in determining the exact cause and appropriate management, which may include medications, botulinum toxin injections, or surgery in severe cases.”
In addition, she recommends monitoring lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, and caffeine intake.
“Rest your eyes, practice relaxation techniques, and reduce screen time. Use lubricating eye drops for dryness, and apply warm compresses. If twitching persists or worsens, consult an eye doctor to rule out underlying conditions and discuss appropriate management options,” she advises.