Why Is My Eye Twitching?
Eye twitching is an involuntary blinking of your eye. It can range from a mild annoyance to a persistent disturbance.
While this condition is typically harmless, it’s important to understand the reasoning behind your eye twitching in case there is an underlying issue at play.
Keep reading this guide for everything you need to know about eye twitching.
Types of Eyelid Twitching
Myokymia
Myokymia is the most common type of eyelid twitch. It refers to the twitching or spasms that happen in the muscles surrounding the eye. It’s a temporary and generally harmless condition that typically lasts for a short period of time.
Essential Blepharospasm
Essential blepharospasm is a rare neurological condition that causes involuntary muscle contractions or spasms in the muscles around the eyes. This condition is usually genetic and causes frequent eye blinking that interferes with day-to-day activities.
Hemifacial Spasm
Hemifacial spasms are a type of nervous system disorder that causes involuntary muscle spasms on one side of the face. These spasms typically affect the muscles of the eyelid, cheek, and mouth, causing repetitive twitching. This condition is typically caused by blood vessels pressing on the nerve, facial nerve damage, or tumors.
Read More: Common Questions Patients Ask About Their Eyes
Causes of Eye Twitching
There are many different factors that lead to eye twitching. Here are the most common causes:
- Dry Eyes
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Eye Strain
- Caffeine/Stimulants
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Allergies/Asthma
- Certain Medications
How To Manage Eyelid Twitching
Eyelid twitching is generally not severe and goes away on its own. However, it can be an uncomfortable disturbance in your daily life.
Here are some ways to manage your eyelid twitch:
- Get Enough Rest
- Limit Stress & Anxiety
- Reduce Eye Strain
- Use a Warm Compress
- Keep Your Eyes Hydrated
- Avoid Substance Use
- Limit Caffeine
- Eat Healthy Foods
- Manage Allergies
How Is Eye Twitching Treated?
If your eye twitching is caused by essential blepharospasm or a hemifacial spasm, the most common treatment is botox injections. Using a syringe, your doctor will inject botulinum toxins into your face with the goal of relaxing the muscles in your face to reduce spasms.
In some extreme cases, you may need to undergo a myectomy procedure, where your doctors will remove the muscles and nerves in your eyelids that are causing the specific eye twitching.
When Should I Be Worried About Eye Twitching?
While an eyelid twitch is usually not a cause for concern, you should be worried about eye twitching if it persists for more than a few days or weeks, if you notice any twitching in your face, or if you develop any vision changes or eye redness and swelling accompanied with the eye twitching.
Read More: Types of Common Vision Disorders
Schedule Your Eye Exam at Michigan Eye Institute Today
If you’re concerned about your eye twitching, your first step for the proper treatment is to receive an eye exam.
Here at Michigan Eye Institute, our dedicated team of eye doctors will go above and beyond for your eye care treatment.
Give us a call at (810) 484-0550 or schedule your appointment online today.
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