When is an Eye Twitch Cause for Concern?

What is eye twitching?

Eye twitching — or (more accurately), eyelid twitching — is pretty common. Called “myokymia” in doctor lingo, these annoying twitches usually affect only the lower eyelid of one eye; but the upper eyelid also can twitch.

Most eye twitches come and go, but sometimes a twitching eye can last for weeks or even months.

Almost all eye twitching is harmless. But if an eye twitch persists, it could signal a serious neurological condition affecting the eyelid — such as blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm. These conditions are much less common and should be diagnosed and treated by an eye doctor.

What Causes Eyelid Twitching?

Triggers of eye twitching can include:

• Stress
• Fatigue
• Eye strain
• Caffeine

• Alcohol
• Dry eyes
• Nutrition problems
• Allergies

Take a close look at this list and note which of these potential triggers might apply to you. Sometimes, just making minor changes to your diet and lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of eye twitching or help make an eyelid twitch disappear.

Why Does My Eye Twitch — And What Can I Do About It?

1. Stress

Stress is probably the most common cause of eye twitching. Yoga, breathing exercises, spending time with friends or pets and getting more down time into your schedule are ways to reduce stress that may be causing your eyelid twitch.

2. Fatigue

Lack of sleep, whether because of stress or some other reason, can trigger a twitching eyelid. Catching up on your sleep and having a consistent sleep schedule can help.

3. Eye strain

Eye strain — particularly digital eye strain from overuse of computers, tablets and smartphones also is a common cause of eyelid twitching. Follow the “20-20-20 rule” when using digital devices: Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and allow your eyes to focus on a distant object (at least 20 feet away) for 20 seconds or longer. This reduces fatigue that may trigger eye twitching. Also, ask your eye doctor about computer eyeglasses to relieve digital eye strain.

4. Caffeine

Too much caffeine can trigger eye twitching. Try cutting back on coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks (or switch to decaffeinated versions) for a week or two and see if your eye twitching disappears.

5. Alcohol

If you experience eye twitching after drinking beer, wine or liquor, try abstaining for a while, since alcohol consumption may cause eyelids to twitch.

6. Dry eyes

Many adults experience dry eyes, especially after age 50. Dry eyes also are very common among people who use computers, take certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, etc.), wear contact lenses and consume caffeine and/or alcohol. If you have a twitching eyelid and your eyes feel gritty or dry, see your eye doctor for a dry eye evaluation. Restoring moisture to the surface of your eye may stop the twitch and decrease the risk of twitching in the future.

7. Nutrition problems

Some reports suggest a lack of certain nutritional substances, such as magnesium, can trigger eyelid spasms. Although these reports are not conclusive, I can’t rule this out as a possible cause of a twitching eye. If you are concerned that your diet may not be supplying all the nutrients you need, I suggest talking this over with your family doctor for expert advice rather than randomly buying over-the-counter nutritional products.

8. Allergies

People with eye allergies can have itching, swelling and watery eyes. When eyes are rubbed, this releases histamine into the lid tissues and the tears, which may cause eyelid twitching. To offset this problem, some eye doctors have recommended antihistamine eye drops or tablets to help some eyelid twitches. But remember that antihistamines also can cause dry eyes. It’s best to work with your eye doctor to make sure you’re doing the right thing for your eyes.

Another Remedy for Eye Twitching: Botox

In rare cases, some eye twitching just won’t go away, despite applying the remedies above.

Sometimes these persistent twitches can be treated with Botox injections that help stop muscle contractions.

But see your eye doctor immediately if the twitching or abnormal movements affect half of your face as well as your eyelid, or if both eyelids clamp down tight so it’s impossible to open your eyes. These can be signs of a serious condition.