Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesTypesSelf-Care and Treatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Types
Self-Care and Treatment
Have you ever had an episode where one of your eyes has been twitching uncontrollably for a few days? An eye twitch, while annoying, is usually nothing serious.
Verywell/Nusha Ashjaee
Eye twitching, or myokymia, is an involuntary eyelid muscle contraction that usually affects the lower eyelid. The exact cause of eye twitching is unknown.
A twitch sometimes develops during times of increased stress. Eye twitching has also been associated with high caffeine intake, fatigue, or excessive squinting. It can also occur after reading or working on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
Eye twitching is usually a sign that you need to take a break and relax. Have you been under unusual stress lately? Have you had a few sleepless nights? Sometimes a twitch will go away following a good night’s sleep, but a stubborn twitch may last as long as a few weeks.
Here are several common eye twitch triggers:
Eyelid twitchessometimes occur along with aneye infectionor an inflammation of the eyelids calledblepharitis.
Types of Eye Twitches
An eye twitch can be classified into three types.
Twitching in Both Eyes
If the eye twitching involves both eyes, there is a possibility that you have blepharospasm. This is a chronic condition that is most common in women over 50. Blepharospasm can progress into the repeated forceful closing of the eyes.
If both eyes are twitching, it may be a good idea to consult your eye doctor for advice. This condition can be treated with botulinum toxin injections to relax the muscles and stop the spasms.
The usual suggestions for a twitch not due to an eye infection are to cut back on caffeine, reduce your stress, and get some rest. But a stubborn eye twitch can become extremely annoying rather quickly.
To relieve eye twitching, try applying warm compresses to the twitching eye and gently massaging the eyelid with your fingers. A warm compress can simply be a clean washcloth dampened with warm water (do not use cold water). Lay your head back and apply the warm cloth directly to your closed eyelid.
For eyelid twitches that last longer than two or three days, over-the-counter oral or topical (eye drop) antihistamines may offer some relief. Although not a direct myokymia treatment, antihistamines slow down the muscle contractions involved in twitching, making them much less annoying.
When to See the Eye DoctorIf you experience severe eye twitching or a twitch that lasts longer than a few days, see your eye doctor.
When to See the Eye Doctor
If you experience severe eye twitching or a twitch that lasts longer than a few days, see your eye doctor.
Treatment for severe eye twitching may includeBotoxinjections to paralyze the eye muscles, other medications to relax the muscles, or surgery.
How to Stop Eye Twitching
A Word From Verywell
Most eye twitches will go away on their own with a few days. Try to relax and eliminate stress in your daily life. Limit caffeine, get plenty of sleep and be sure to take frequent breaks from the computer.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Bender N.You asked: Why does my eyelid twitch at random times?Texas A&M University Health Science Center.Victoria State Government.Blepharospasm.Cleveland Clinic.Involuntary facial movements (hemifacial spasm): management and treatment.Lee JM, Baek JS, Choi HS, Kim SJ, Jang JW.Clinical features of benign essential blepharospasm in Korean patients.Korean J Ophthalmol. 2018;32(5):339-343. doi:10.3341/kjo.2018.0038Kellogg Eye Center, Michigan Medicine.Eyelid spasms (eye twitching or eye twitch).Duvall, B, Kershner, RM.Ophthalmic Medications and Pharmacology.West Deptford Township, NJ: SLACK Incorporated; 2006.
Bender N.You asked: Why does my eyelid twitch at random times?Texas A&M University Health Science Center.
Victoria State Government.Blepharospasm.
Cleveland Clinic.Involuntary facial movements (hemifacial spasm): management and treatment.
Lee JM, Baek JS, Choi HS, Kim SJ, Jang JW.Clinical features of benign essential blepharospasm in Korean patients.Korean J Ophthalmol. 2018;32(5):339-343. doi:10.3341/kjo.2018.0038
Kellogg Eye Center, Michigan Medicine.Eyelid spasms (eye twitching or eye twitch).
Duvall, B, Kershner, RM.Ophthalmic Medications and Pharmacology.West Deptford Township, NJ: SLACK Incorporated; 2006.
The Best Strategies to Halt That Pesky Eye Twitch. Cleveland Clinic.
Benign Essential Blepharospasm Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Boyd K.What Is an Eyelid Spasm or Twitching Eyelid?American Academy of Ophthalmology.
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