WHY IS MY EYE TWITCHING? (POSSIBLE CAUSES AND TREATMENT OPTIONS EXPLAINED)

Eye twitching, or myokymia, is a common phenomenon that typically resolves on its own. But what are the causes of this neurological issue, and are there any dangers associated with it?

A patient’s eye is scanned with a medical equipment. Image credit: Brands&People via Unsplash, free license

What is eye twitching?

Eye twitching is a common naturally-arising but sometimes hereditary condition experienced by many people. There are two main types of this phenomenon:

• Eyelid myokymia: This type involves mild, occasional eye twitching, usually not requiring treatment. In the majority of cases, it is temporary and does not require any medical attention.
• Benign essential blepharospasm: This form includes sustained, involuntary contractions leading to partial or complete eyelid closure. Patients with benign essential blepharospasm may experience significant functional impairment, necessitating long-term treatment.

It is often linked to factors like fatigue, caffeine intake, and stress. The underlying cause is generally benign, and the condition is considered harmless. However, persistent or severe cases may require further medical investigation and management using specific modes of treatment.

Structure of the eye – illustrative photo. Image credit: Harpreet Singh via Unsplash, free license

What are the causes of Eye Twitching?

The precise cause of eye twitching remains unknown but can be triggered or exacerbated by various factors, such as:

• Stress
• Insufficient sleep
• Dry or irritated eyes
• Eye strain
• Certain drugs, stimulants and medications, including caffeine

While stress and fatigue are common culprits, eye twitching can also be triggered by eye strain due to prolonged screen time or reading.

Caffeine and certain medications, particularly stimulants, can exacerbate the condition. Dry eyes, resulting from factors like inadequate blinking or environmental conditions, may contribute to twitching. Moreover, insufficient sleep can be a significant factor.

A medical equipment is used to check eye health. Doctors can also diagnose potential conditions causing eye twitching. Image credit: nrd via Unsplash, free license

What are the symptoms of eye twitching?

Eye twitching affects the eyelid muscles, causing involuntary blinking or twitching.

While mild twitching may feel more noticeable than it appears to observers, severe cases can lead to forceful eyelid closure lasting seconds, minutes, or even hours, with symptoms becoming more noticeable over time.

Is eye twitching dangerous?

Eye twitching, in most cases, is not considered dangerous.

However, there are instances where persistent or severe eye twitching may indicate an underlying issue that requires attention.

Moreover, if eye twitching is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as eye pain, redness, swelling, or vision changes, prompt medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. These additional symptoms could be indicative of other eye conditions that may require evaluation and treatment.

What medical conditions can be associated with eye twitching?

If eye twitching episodes are repetitive and cause trouble and anxiety, consulting a doctor can help rule out other potential eye problems such as: