That little twitch in your eyelid can be more than just annoying—it's your body's way of communicating with you. Whether it's due to fatigue, stress, or something else, there’s often an underlying cause that your eye care professional can help you address.
Eyelid twitching is when you have involuntary spasms or movements of the eyelid muscles. It can begin suddenly and might last for a few minutes, hours, days, or even longer. Though eyelid twitching is quite common, for most people, it doesn’t signal any serious concern. Even so, if you’re experiencing eyelid twitching that concerns you, reach out to your doctor for help identifying potential causes and a treatment plan.
There are a few different medical reasons your eyelid might be twitching. Remember, if your eyelid twitching is severe or persistent, always reach out to your doctor.
This is the most common type of eyelid twitch. You’ll experience it either the upper or lower eyelid—often in just one eyelid at a time. Myokymia can range from barely noticeable to extremely distracting or bothersome. It's usually brief but can come back throughout the day. Many people find that stress, fatigue, or spending too much time in front of screens can trigger this type of spasm.
This condition starts with increased blinking and may lead to the eyelids closing tightly. Although rare, severe forms of benign essential blepharospasm can severely affect daily life, making it difficult to read, drive, or work. The spasms can happen spontaneously, and you may find yourself blinking uncontrollably. While the exact cause is not fully understood, it’s suspected to involve abnormal functioning of specific nerve cells. Managing this condition often requires long-term treatment from your doctor.
This type involves muscle twitching on one side of the face, including the eyelid. Hemifacial spasm begins around the eye and can spread to other facial muscles. This can create significant discomfort and affect facial expression. Many cases are caused by a blood vessel pressing against the facial nerve, leading to irregular nerve signals. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause.
The most common type of twitching (myokymia) can happen for a lot of different reasons. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common triggers, along with possible treatments or prevention strategies to ask your eye doctor about:
When you’re overly tired, it means your body hasn’t had a chance to fully recover from the day or days before. This puts stress on your body, and may even effect your hormone levels. Consistently prioritizing rest is crucial not only for eye health but also overall well-being.
When you’re under stress, your body produces more adrenaline, which can cause more muscle tension and spasms. Over time, effectively addressing your stress can result in fewer muscle spasms and a greater sense of calm. Remember that a little downtime for relaxation goes a long way in maintaining both mental and physical health.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can elevate your nervous system activity, leading to involuntary muscle contractions. If you notice twitching after consuming coffee or energy drinks, it may be worth trying to drink less coffee to see if symptoms improve. Pay attention to how much caffeine you consume daily, and consider alternatives, like herbal teas or decaffeinated options.
Things like allergens, excessive screen time, or dry air can disrupt your tear film and lead to eye dryness. When this happens, the muscles may spasm to compensate for the irritation. Your doctor may suggest the use of artificial tears or lubricating eye drops, which can help alleviate dryness and keep your eyes comfortable.
Focusing on screens for too long can fatigue the eye muscles. Remembering to take breaks can help. One simple way to do this? Practice the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Alcohol can disrupt your sleep and may lead to dehydration, while nicotine can overstimulate your nervous system. If you suspect either of this could be causing your eyelid twitching, try cutting back. The benefits of this can extend beyond eyelid twitching—it can improve your overall well-being.
Conditions like multiple sclerosis or dystonia can affect the nervous system's ability to control muscle contractions. If you’re experiencing symptoms beyond simple twitching, like difficulty with coordination or motor control, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation and help identify underlying issues. Early detection is important for managing neurological disorders effectively and preventing complications.
Eyelid twitching might also indicate issues like Bell's palsy or Tourette syndrome, especially when accompanied by other signs. If you experience additional symptoms, such as facial drooping or involuntary vocalizations, it’s crucial to seek a comprehensive evaluation. Professionals can help determine the underlying cause and provide suitable treatment options.
Some medications, like those used to manage Parkinson’s disease, may cause eyelid twitching as a side effect. If you suspect your medications are causing twitches, reach out to your doctor for guidance. They may suggest adjusting your dosage or switching to a different medication.
If your eyelid is twitching at a level that concerns you, it’s important to contact your doctor for guidance and a treatment plan. If the twitching is severe enough, they may recommend:
This procedure can help reduce spasms and keep them at bay for up to several months. Many people find that they experience significant relief from their symptoms, and the injections need to be repeated every few months for continued effectiveness. Working closely with your healthcare provider can ensure you find the right treatment plan.
Certain medications can help regulate nerve impulses and muscle contractions. If you’re prescribed these medications, be sure to discuss any side effects with your provider, as they can help you find alternatives if needed.
Although surgery is a rare option, it may be considered for severe cases of hemifacial spasm if other treatments have proven ineffective. Surgical procedures can alleviate nerve compression or correct underlying anatomical issues. However, this option is typically explored only after numerous conservative approaches have failed.
When it comes to your health, it’s important to always seek the care of your physician anytime you feel your body is telling you something is not right. That’s why it’s be especially important to schedule an appointment with your doctor when:
The information provided on this page and across the entire Acuvue.com experience is designed to offer educational insights into eye health, referencing expert advice from reputable medical and government organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association and the National Eye Institute. While we research, report, and review the content on Acuvue.com and its extended social media to deliver accurate and up-to-date vision, vision care, and vision correction information, we do not make any assurances, and content accessed on or through Acuvue.com and its extended social media is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any eye conditions or health issues. This brings us to our #1 eye health tip: Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance and care.
