Taking Control of Eye Twitching: Exploring Causes, Symptoms, and Self-Care Tips
Eye Twitching, medically known as Myokymia, is a relatively common condition among people of all ages.
Although the situation is not serious among individuals, but it can be irritating.
Eye Spasms (Blepharospasm) is an involuntary movement of eyelids or blinking.
According to MedlinePlus, it has been estimated that approx 20,000 to 50,000 Americans have Blephoraspasm.
An eye spasm could be a sign of something serious.
However, it can go away if you carefully address the underlying cause and try the remedies to stop the eye twitching.
This article discusses eye twitching in detail and answers all the possible questions you might have regarding Blepharospasm.
What is an eye twitching
An involuntary, abnormal blinking of the eyelid is known as eye twitching.
It occurs when there is a problem with the muscles that control the movement of the eyelids.
This can happen multiple times, and it may harm eyesight if severe.
The twitching is caused by problems with the facial muscles responsible for closing and raising the eyelid.
Other eye muscles can also cause eye twitching.
Occasional eye twitching is common, particularly when tired or after consuming caffeine.
It can occur in anyone. However, it is frequently seen in middle-aged and older women.
A study published by The National Library of Medicine focused on Chronic Eyelid Twitching (CET).
The main aim of this study is to understand the clinical features and electric signals of CET.
CET refers to continuous eyelid fluttering that lasts for more than two weeks and becomes bothersome.
It tends to develop more frequently during cold weather.
The researchers reviewed the medical records of 142 patients, including both men and women.
They discover that CET is more common in women, with a female-to-male ratio of 3 to 1.
These findings also concluded that CET is a minor form of facial nerve neuropathy, a condition that affects the facial nerves.
Cause of eye twitch
A variety of factors may lead to eye twitching.
The condition may interfere with your vision if it is severe.
That is why it is essential to understand the causes of eye twitching.
Benign Essential Blepharospasm
One common cause of persistent, constant eye twitching is Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEB).
The muscles around the eyes are affected by Benign Essential Blepharospasm, a rare neurological condition.
BEB patients have involuntary muscle spasms and contractions around their eyes.
Initially, spasms can be accompanied by eye twitching and blinking.
Symptoms may include eye irritation and, eventually, involuntary eye closure.
The actual origin of BEB is still unknown.
BEB is one among multiple disorders known as adult-onset focal Dystonia.
Meige syndrome
Meige syndrome (Brueghel syndrome) is another medical condition that can cause your eye to twitch.
It may also develop in people with Benign Essential Blepharospasm.
People suffering from Meige Syndrome have spasms of the jaw, tongue, and eyelids.
Hemifacial Spasm
Hemifacial spasms, a neurological disorder, are uncontrollable movements.
It typically occurs when muscles on one side of the face twitch involuntarily due to a problem with the facial nerve.
The spasm causes the muscles on one side of your face to twitch.
Your eyelid is the place where this uncontrollable twitching usually begins.
In some rare cases, Eye Twitching can also be a sign of some brain or nervous disorders, such as:
- Bell’s Palsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Meige syndrome
- Reaction to some medicines
- Brain damage from inflammation or a stroke
Ocular Myokymia
Eye twitching is commonly related to Ocular Myokymia.
It does not cause any serious issues and is not a hazardous condition.
The disorder can sometimes arise from a problem in the eyelid’s muscles, such as upper eyelids hang lower than normal or dryness and irritation in the eye area.
Myokymia, the most common type of Eye Twitching, is majorly associated with the following factors:
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Sleep
- Smoking
- Fatigue
- Bright lights
- Stress
- Irritation in eyelids
Is eye twitching a sign of a stroke
A stroke occurs when something blocks the blood supply to a part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
It is sometimes referred to as a brain attack.
Stroke typically begins with twitching as its first visible sign.
Eye twitching on its own is not a sign of a stroke.
However, if you experience an eyelid twitch along with other symptoms, it could be a warning sign of a stroke or a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA).
Also Read: To learn more about the relation between eye twitching and stroke, read our informative article, “Is Eye Twitching a Sign of Stroke?“
Medical professionals often apply the FAST acronym to address stroke symptoms.
FAST acronym stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time.
Face
Ask the person to smile.
See if their smile is uneven or their face hangs down due to weakness.
Check the face for any numbness as well.
Arms
Ask the person to raise their arms.
Check if the arms are weak, numb, or drifting down.
Speech
Ask the person to speak something.
Check if they have slurry words or trouble speaking.
Time
If all the symptoms mentioned above are present in an individual, immediately call for help.
Eye twitching remedy
There are various remedies that can help you to deal with the condition of Eye Twitching.
They are effective when applied at the right time.
Some widely used home remedies for eye twitching are listed below:
Proper sleep
Sleep plays an important role in eye health.
Lack of sleep can negatively affect our eye vision.
If you are not getting enough time to rest, make a proper bedtime routine and follow it.
Getting enough sleep can alleviate the frequency of eye spasms and improve drooping eyelids.
Try to sleep for at least seven hours before starting your day.
Avoid drinking alcohol, and do not eat heavy meals in the evening.
Reduce stress
Stress is another common trigger for eye twitching.
A feeling of stress and exhaustion can result in muscle spasms and eye twitching.
Participating in relaxing activities is an excellent way to unwind and reduce stress.
To relax your body and mind, take a warm bath.
Meditation and deep breathing exercises are beneficial for lowering stress and stopping eye twitching.
Address dry eyes
Dry eyes are one of the reasons for eye twitching.
It can get worse with age and can be caused by various factors, such as hormonal changes, certain medications, and medical conditions.
If your eyes are consistently dry, you may experience various symptoms, including eye twitching.
The symptoms of dry eye can be reduced by using eye drops, taking omega-3 supplements, and avoiding irritants like smoke and wind.
Limit caffeine
Caffeine may lead to or worsen eye conditions like Myokymia.
Try slowly cutting down or quitting coffee.
Several substances, including chocolate, coffee, tea, and some drinks, can cause eye twitch.
Try switching to green tea instead of coffee in the morning.
Apply warm compression
Your eyelids may feel better using a warm compress.
The increased blood flow to the irritated area by heat helps reduce the itch and pain.
Use a warm, soaked washcloth or a heated eye mask to make a warm compress.
This may help relax the muscles around the eye and stop the muscle spasms.
Massage eyelid
Spend a few minutes each day gently pressing or massaging your eyes in a circular manner.
Massaging your eyelid may help relax muscles and reduce the intensity of eye fluttering.
Also, acupressure spots can be focused on to help with eyelid twitching and speed up recovery.
Adjust your screen time
Eye strain is a common cause of Eye Twitching.
Continuous use of a phone or computer screen might cause eye strain.
Take frequent breaks from using a computer to give your eyes a rest.
If your job requires you to sit in front of a screen for a long period of time, consider wearing computer eyeglasses.
While working on a computer, keep the monitor at a proper distance.
To prevent eye strain, you can even change the contrast and brightness of your screen.
Stay hydrated
Dehydration can irritate the eyes and hinder the muscles that support them from staying hydrated.
Drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated to prevent eye spasms.
It is advised to contact a doctor if eye twitching happens regularly and is painful to identify the cause and get better treatment.
Tips to take care of your eyes
Taking care of your eyes is vital for maintaining good eye vision and health.
Here are some tips to take care of your eyes and prevent them from twitching and other problems.
Get regular eye test
Find out a few hours to look after yourself.
Keep track of your eye health and get regular checkups.
Eye exams at every age and life stage can help keep your vision strong.
Vision loss can be avoided with early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems.
An ophthalmologist or doctor of optometry can provide a thorough eye and vision examination.
Apply rosewater to your eyes
Rosewater is a traditional approach for curing eye illness.
It has been used for centuries, including the Eye Twitching.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of rosewater help to slow down the damage to cells caused by free radical cells.
Apply rosewater to soothe the eyes.
Eat banana
Banana is a source of many good nutrients that can help reduce the twitching of the eyes.
It has a miracle mineral that can help in relaxing the muscles.
One of the most common causes of low vision is Macular Degeneration and blurred central vision.
Bananas can help you prevent these diseases.
It has essential vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and fiber, which are all vital for maintaining eye health.
They are rich in water and electrolytes and can promote hydration in the body.
Eye twitching can be triggered or worsened by dehydration.
Consuming foods that help keep you hydrated, such as bananas, can help relieve eye twitching.
Quit smoking
Smoking makes you more likely to get Cataracts.
It exposes the eyes to harmful chemicals and toxins present in tobacco smoke.
These substances can lead to oxidative stress and further damage the optic nerve.
Try to avoid smoking, and if you are struggling to quit, seek a doctor’s help.
Have a nutrition-rich diet
It is vital to consume healthy, nutrition-rich foods for good eye health.
You should eat yellow fruits and green leafy vegetables as they are good sources of fiber and several nutrients.
Incorporate foods with vitamins B12 and D, such as fatty fish, and enriched products like milk and cereals.
Include potato in your diet as it contains magnesium which can help in muscle relaxation.
Potato is also rich in Vitamin B6, which helps in proper nerve function and muscle contraction.
When to see a doctor
Often, Eye Twitching tends to be harmless.
But if you notice any of the following, you should consult your Ophthalmologist.
- More than a week-long eye twitching
- Each twitch causes your eyelid to close
- Your eye is red, puffy, or discharged
Conclusion
Eye twitching, or Myokymia, is a common condition that is usually not serious.
It is characterized by involuntary blinking or movement of the eyelids.
Fatigue, caffeine intake, and lack of sleep can cause occasional eye twitching.
Continuous or severe eye twitching may indicate underlying health issues.
Managing eye twitching can involve lifestyle changes, such as getting enough sleep, reducing stress, addressing dry eyes, and limiting caffeine consumption.
Applying warm compresses and massaging the eyelids can help alleviate eye twitching.
Eating a nutritious diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking can affect eye health.
It is essential to consult an Ophthalmologist if eye twitching persists for more than a week and causes eyelid closure or eye redness, swelling, or discharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is eye twitching a sign of?
Eye twitching is not a severe warning sign on its own. They usually suggest that you take time to relax and slow down. Rarely, it could be a symptom of a brain or nervous system disorder, such as Dystonia, Blepharospasm, and Hemifacial spasm that is more severe.
What vitamin do I need to stop eye twitching?
Electrolytes, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and magnesium are vitamins that reduce eye twitching. An imbalance in minerals and vitamins necessary for healthy muscle function may result in eye twitches.
How long do eye twitches last?
Eye twitching can last up to a few days or even weeks. Reducing stress, limiting caffeine intake, and maintaining overall relaxation can help alleviate eye twitches.
What foods are good for eye twitching?
Eating foods rich in vitamin B12, magnesium, and potassium can be beneficial for treating eye twitching. Such foods include green leafy vegetables, bananas, avocados, beans, salmon, eggs, milk, and chicken.
What causes eye twitching?
Eye twitching is often caused by factors such as muscle weakness, fatigue, consumption of alcohol or caffeine, extended periods of driving, and lack of sleep.
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