What is Eye Twitching? 

What is Eye Twitching?

Eye twitching, also called myokymia, occurs in the form of sudden, repetitive, and involuntary contractions (spasms) of the muscles in the eyelid.

The contractions usually occur in the upper eyelid. In some cases, they can occur in both eyelids or only in the lower lid.

The spasms called eye twitching are very mild in most individuals. They feel like a very gentle pulling of the eyelid.

Sometimes, contractions can occur many times a day. Sometimes, no contractions may occur for weeks or months.

What Causes Eye Twitching?

Many individuals experiencing eyelid spasms are looking for answers to questions such as what does eye twitching mean?

What does right or left eye twitching mean?

The exact cause of eye twitching is not known exactly, but it is thought that it can occur without any reason.

Research on this subject is also quite limited. Because it does not cause major problems in individuals. It is a short-term, temporary problem. And it rarely occurs with a disease.

In addition to all these, some factors that can cause eye twitching or cause it to occur more frequently are as follows:

• Stress:

Anxiety or stress often causes muscle tension. Prolonged tension can cause muscles to twitch.

• Fatigue:

Chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters send information from the brain to the nerves that control muscle movement. Fatigue from lack of sleep can affect how neurotransmitters work and can cause muscle twitching, especially around the eyes.

• Caffeine:

Caffeine is a stimulant. When consumed in large amounts, it can stimulate involuntary muscle movement or twitching. This can cause twitching in any area, including the eyelids.

• Dehydration:

Muscle mass is largely made up of water (about 75%). This hydration in the muscles supports their function. Being dehydrated can disrupt muscle function and cause twitching.

• Vitamin Deficiency:

Vitamins such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D are important for proper muscle function. A deficiency in one or more of these vitamins can cause muscle weakness and/or twitching.

• Medication:

Some medications, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, diuretics, and steroids, can cause electrolyte imbalances. These imbalances can lead to muscle spasms. Consult your doctor about the medications you are taking and their possible side effects.

• Eye Strain:

Overstretching the muscles can cause them to twitch. The eye muscles are also susceptible to this condition. Focusing for long periods of time can strain the eye muscles, causing eyelid spasms.

• Drugs:

Stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines, have a similar effect on the muscles as caffeine. This can cause muscle twitching, which can affect the eyelids.

• Alcohol:

Consuming alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Excessive use can cause vitamin deficiencies and result in muscle spasms throughout the body, including the eyes.

• Allergies:

Allergies cause the body to release a chemical called histamine. Histamine can affect smooth muscle and blood vessels, causing muscle spasms.

Other Common Causes of Eye Spasms:

• Dry eyes
• Photophobia (light sensitivity)
• Smoking
• Eye irritation

What Causes Left Eye Twitching?

Left eye twitching is a common muscle contraction that can occur for many different reasons.

These reasons include;

• Stress,
• Fatigue,
• Caffeine or alcohol consumption,
• Electrolyte imbalances,
• Eye strain
• and side effects of some medications.

It can also sometimes be a symptom of a serious health problem.

What Causes Right Eye Twitching?

Right eye twitching can occur for similar reasons as in the left eye.

These reasons include;

• Stress,
• Fatigue,
• Insufficient sleep,
• Eating habits,
• Eye strain and muscle contractions.

Twitching in the right or left eye is usually temporary and will heal on its own.

What are The Types of Eye Twitching?

There are three common types of eye twitching:

• Generalized eyelid spasm,
• Essential blepharospasm,
• And hemifacial spasm.

These types are classified by the severity of the twitching and whether other areas of the face are affected.

1. Eye Twitching or Tick (Generalized Eyelid Spasm):

When you think of an “eye twitch,” you’re probably imagining a generalized eyelid spasm.

This is a slight, temporary pulsation or twitching of the eyelid.

Generalized eye spasms are usually unilateral, meaning they affect only one eye at a time.

However, it’s possible to experience a generalized spasm in both eyes. Depending on which eye muscle is affected, you may experience twitching in your lower or upper eyelid.

Fatigue, excessive caffeine intake, or physical and emotional stress often cause a generalized eye spasm.

This condition is common. It doesn’t affect your vision. It will probably go away on its own.

2. Essential Blepharospasm:

Essential blepharospasm usually begins as an involuntary increase in the rate at which a person blinks.

Blinking or grimacing are common behaviors in people with this condition.

Over time, it can progress to tightly closing the eyes, which can temporarily affect a person’s vision.

Other areas of the face, such as the neck and mouth, can also be affected. Essential blepharospasm attacks can last from a few minutes to several hours.

Although essential blepharospasm is very rare, it can be debilitating for those with severe cases.

The condition is caused by abnormal nerve impulses. It is not fully understood what triggers the abnormal impulses.

A common and effective treatment for essential blepharospasm is Botox injections into the affected area.

3. Hemifacial Spasm:

Hemifacial spasm is a neuromuscular disorder that causes frequent, involuntary muscle contractions on one side of the face.

This condition usually starts with a twitch in the eyelid. As it progresses, the twitching becomes more severe, and it becomes so strong that it forces the eye to close.

Eventually, the spasm spreads to the lower face, which can cause the mouth to be pulled to one side or similar behaviors.

At its most severe, hemifacial spasm affects all the muscles on one side of the face, and the spasms become almost constant.

Hemifacial spasms are usually caused by a blood vessel pressing on the facial nerve.

What are The Symptoms of Eye Twitching?

Eye twitching can present a wide range of symptoms, from mild, brief contractions to more intense, prolonged spasms.

Most people experience mild contractions that last a few seconds or minutes.

These temporary twitches are usually not uncomfortable and will soon go away on their own.

Symptoms of eye twitching include:

• Involuntary contractions of the upper or lower eyelid,
• Contractions lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes,
• A slight trembling sensation in the eyelid,
• Eye fatigue and irritation,
• Rarely, complete closure of the eyelid,
• Twitching in one or both eyes,
• Intermittent recurrence of twitching,
• Sensitivity to light,
• Headache in long-term cases,
• Nervous tension and discomfort.

Who is Most Likely to Have Eye Twitching?

Eye twitching can happen to anyone. However, it is more common in middle-aged and elderly women. Additionally, it can be seen in Parkinson’s patients due to medication side effects.

What are The Complications of Eye Twitching?

Eye twitching, which is generally insignificant, can very rarely be a symptom of neurological disorders. If eyelid twitching occurs due to neurological problems, it appears with other neurological symptoms.

Brain and nerve disorders that cause such eyelid twitching are as follows:

• Bell’s Palsy (Facial Paralysis);

A condition that causes a part of the face to droop downward.

• Dystonia;

A condition in which unexpected muscle spasms and contractions of body tissues affected by these spasms occur.

• Spasmodic Torticollis;

A condition of cervical dystonia that causes random spasms of the neck and rotation of the head into uncomfortable positions.

• Multiple Sclerosis;

A disease condition of the central nervous system, called MS for short, that causes cognitive and movement problems and fatigue.

• Parkinson’s Disease;

A type of disease that can cause shaking limbs, muscle stiffness, balance problems and speech difficulties.

• Tourette Syndrome;

A disease characterized by involuntary movements and verbal tics.

How is Eye Twitching Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of eye twitching begins with a detailed evaluation of the symptoms.

Short-term and occasional twitching usually does not indicate a serious problem. And it usually does not require treatment.

However, if twitching complaints are long-term, frequently recurring or occur with other symptoms, an ophthalmologist should be consulted.

The doctor first questions the patient’s medical history and lifestyle. Since conditions such as stress, fatigue, and caffeine consumption can affect twitching, the evaluation of these factors plays a critical role in the diagnostic process.

If there are conditions such as dry eyes, allergies or contact lens use, the doctor first addresses these factors. During the eye examination, the cornea or eyelids are checked for irritation, infection or other problems.

In more complex cases, especially if neurological diseases are suspected;

• Blood Tests,
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Or CT (Computed Tomography)

Using imaging techniques such as, the brain and nervous system are examined in detail.

These types of tests are performed to detect the presence of neurological disorders such as;

• Multiple Sclerosis,
• Dystonia
• Or Parkinson’s disease.

Among the situations where the doctor should intervene;

• Twitching continues for weeks,
• Eyelids close completely,
• Convulsions begin in other parts of the face,
• Or vision disorders occur.

Early diagnosis is important to prevent possible serious disorders and to start the treatment process quickly.

How is Eye Twitching Treated?

Treatment is usually not necessary for eyelid spasms, as eye twitching usually goes away on its own within a few days. Many of the factors that cause eye twitching are related to the person’s lifestyle.

The following can be applied to mild eye twitching complaints:

• Sufficient and quality sleep should be given importance.
• Aerobic exercise should be done.
• Relaxation and stretching exercises should be done.
• Coffee and tea consumption should be limited.
• Reduce alcohol consumption.
• Sunglasses should be worn when necessary.
• A warm compress can be applied to the affected eye to relax the muscles.
• Eye drops can be used regularly.
• Avoid looking at computer, television and mobile phone screens for long periods of time and rest your eyes frequently.
• Foods containing vitamins B and B12 should be consumed.

Those who continue to have concerns about eye twitching and those whose eye twitching symptoms have become chronic should consult a doctor. If eye twitching complaints have become chronic, eye twitching is often corrected with Botox injections.

Botulinum toxin is a cosmetic drug used to treat wrinkles on the face and around the eyes.

However, ophthalmologists have actually been safely applying it to the muscles around the eyes for many years to treat blepharospasm, or abnormal eye misalignment, and even to the eye muscles that control eye movement in some types of strabismus.

If eye twitching persists and is still severe despite the above-mentioned methods, a person may require a surgery called a myectomy. In this surgical procedure, some of the muscles and nerves of the eyelids are removed.