Why does my eye twitch?

An eye twitch is an uncontrollable spasm or movement of an eye muscle or eyelid. Your doctor or optometrist may diagnose it as blepharospasm. They are more common in the upper eyelid. The lid moves every few seconds, lasting about a minute or two.

Eye twitching is a common and occasionally inherited ailment that may be divided into two types:

• Eyelid myokymia: This is a minor instance of periodic eye twitching that does not need treatment in most individuals.
• Benign essential blepharospasm: Consistent, involuntary eyelids spasms that result in partial or total closure. Patients with benign essential blepharospasm may have a considerable functional impairment and need long-term care.

What are the symptoms of an eye twitch?

Eye twitching is a condition that causes twitching or uncontrolled blinking of the eyelid muscles. Mild eyelid twitching might seem more visible than it is – spectators are unlikely to detect a twitching eyelid in another person.

In more extreme situations, the twitching might cause the eyelids to close for seconds, minutes, or even hours. Over time, symptoms may become more apparent.

Other disorders that might cause eyelid twitching as a symptom include:

• Blepharitis
• Abrasion of the cornea
• Dry eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Uveitis

In rare cases, eye twitching may be a symptom of some rare brain and nervous system problems. When it is, additional indications and symptoms nearly often accompany it. Eye twitching may be caused by a variety of brain and nervous system problems, including:

• Bell palsy
• Dystonia Cervical
• Dystonia
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Facial dystonia and oromandibular dystonia
• Parkinson’s disease (PD)
• Tourette disorder

Drugs, especially those used to treat Parkinson’s disease, may cause eye twitching. And, if other facial spasms occur, eye twitching might be the first indicator of a persistent movement problem.

What demographics are more at risk of eye twitching?

This condition is more frequent in women than in males and is also more prevalent among Asians. Anyone may experience transitory eyelid twitches, but some are more likely to acquire chronic ones:

Sex: No one understands why benign essential blepharospasm and Meige syndrome are twice as prevalent in women or individuals assigned female at birth (DFAB) as in males or people designated male at birth (DMAB).

Genetics: It is possible to develop benign essential blepharospasm without a family history, and most patients do. According to studies, chronic benign essential blepharospasm is more frequent in certain families, but geneticists have not determined which genes are responsible for the condition’s transmission. Geneticists have discovered that having one parent with the disease seems sufficient to pass it on.

How to diagnose eye twitching?

Your healthcare professional will inquire about your medical history and do a physical examination. This often involves a complete nervous system and ocular check. The diagnosis is usually made by an optometrist or ophthalmologist (a healthcare specialist specialising in the eyes). If other reasons for eye twitching are ruled out, your healthcare professional may diagnose you with benign essential blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm. Further tests are seldom required. In certain situations, your physician may request brain imaging, such as a CT scan or an MRI. This rule out any other medical reasons for eye twitching.

How to treat eye twitching?

Most eyelid spasms resolve on their own within a few days or weeks. They don’t often require emergency treatment, unless you strongly suspect another underlying cause. When a spasm occurs, apply a warm compress to your eyes. If your doctor thinks that intervention is required, they may prescribe antibiotics, surgery, or other treatment options, depending on the specific reason.

How to prevent eye twitching?

It is difficult to avoid eye twitches altogether. If your eyes sometimes twitch, you may take the following methods to alleviate your symptoms:

• Consume less coffee.
• Get adequate rest.
• Reduce your stress.
• Reduce the number of additional causes of eye discomfort. This might be accomplished by utilising eye drops.
• When necessary, use sunglasses.

Visit your friendly optometrist at Eyes & Specs, 209 Forest Road Hurstville, to get an eye test.