What is eye twitching?
Myokymia or blepharospasm is the medical terminology for eye twitching. It is an uncontrollable and involuntary eyelid spasm.
The majority of eye twitches only last a few minutes. However, for weeks or even longer, some people endure eyelid twitching.
Specific eye muscles are used to raise or lower the eyelids. Eye twitching can result from problems with one or more of the eye muscles. Blepharospasm eye spasm is noticeable but they cannot be easily seen by others.
Doctors usually call it blepharospasm and it usually occurs in the upper eyelid. This causes the eyelid to move for a few seconds typically lasting a minute or two.
Types of eye twitching
There are commonly three types of eye twitching: general eyelid spasm, essential blepharospasm, and hemifacial spasm. These types are categorized according to the severity of the twitch and based on the severity of the twitch and its impact on other facial regions.
1. General eyelid spasm (Eye twitch or tic)
A general eyelid spasm is a flickering or temporary pulsing of the eyelid.
Usually, the eye twitch is unilateral which means that it meaning it affects only one eye at a time. Nevertheless, both eyes can experience the spasm at the same time. There may be a twitch in the upper eyelid or under the eye, depending on which eye muscle is impacted.
Too much caffeine, fatigue, and physical or emotional stress can cause a general eye twitch. General eyelid spasm is common and it typically does not affect vision and resolves on their own.
2. Essential blepharospasm
Essential blepharospasm causes an involuntary increase in a person’s blink rate. Scrunching up the face and winking are common habits found in people suffering from this condition.
It can eventually turn into pressing the eyelids shut tightly. Temporarily, it can affect the ability of vision of a person and he may not be able to see properly for a short period of time. It can also affect the mouth, other parts of the face, and the neck. Essential blepharospasm episodes might last for a short while or for a long time.
However, Essential blepharospasm is a rare condition and it can be crippling for those who have severe instances. Severe cases can be occurred due to abnormal nerve impulses. The reason behind the abnormal impulses is usually not understood. An effective and safe treatment for Essential blepharospasm is injecting Botox injections into the affected area.
3. Hemifacial spasm
Hemifacial spasm is a neuromuscular disease. In this condition, there are regular, frequent, and involuntary muscle contractions usually felt on one side of the face.
The spasm begins with a twitching eyelid and over time, it can become strong enough to force the eye to shut. The lower portion of the face eventually becomes affected by the spasm. The mouth might pull to one side as a result, or something similar might happen.
In severe form of hemifacial spasm, the muscles on one side of the face can be affected and the spasm can occur constantly. This can be caused by the pressing of a blood vessel in the facial nerves.
5 Myths associated with eye twitching
In different regions of the world, there are different myths that are associated with eye twitching. Here are the five most common myths associated with eye twitching:
- In the Caribbean, twitching of the left eye is a sign of difficulty, bad news, or your loved ones or friends talking negatively about you,
- Indians believe that left-eye twitching is a sign of bad luck for women while it is good for men,
- There is a left-eye twitching superstition in Hawaii that claims that if your left eye twitches, it could portend the entrance of a stranger or a family member who is about to pass away. There is a right-eye twitching superstition that claims that a child will be born soon if the right eye begins to twitch,
- There are various eye-twitching superstitions in some parts of Africa, especially in Cameroon and Nigeria. Some believe that if the upper eyelid of either eye twitches, an unexpected guest will soon arrive. Some believe that if the lower eyelid twitches, it’s a sign of impending tears. There is a left-eye twitching superstition that claims that if your left eye twitches, it is a sign of bad luck, a belief particularly common in Nigeria.
- According to the time of day, Eye twitching has varied connotations in Chinese culture,
- Eye twitching could be a sign of an impending problem if it happens between midnight and three in the morning.
- From 9 to 11 a.m., an eye twitching predicts good things for you, but you’ll have to repay the favor.
- Your events will go as intended if your eye jumps between 1-3 p.m.
- However, if an eye-twitching incident happens between 3-6 p.m., it can be a hint that you’re about to lose money.
Causes of Eyelid Twitching
Many reasons can cause an eyelid to twitch. Eye twitching can be minor and treated with simple solutions while other causes may require medical attention.
Some Common causes that cause eyelid twitching as a sign include:
- Stress – Stress and anxiety can cause tension in the eye muscles. If the span of muscle tension prolongs, it can cause eye spasms.
- Fatigue – Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that send messages and information across the brain to the nerves and in return, the nerves control the movement of the muscles. Fatigue can result from inadequate sleep and it can impact the working of the neurotransmitters. Muscle twitching may result from this, especially near the eyes.
- Caffeine – Caffeine is a CNS stimulant. It can cause twitching or uncontrollable muscle movement. The eyelids are one location where twitching can happen.
- Dehydration – Around 75% of the muscle mass is made from water. Muscle hydration can support the muscles and may help them to perform their functions in a better way. The dehydration of the muscle can cause disruption in muscle function and can cause muscle twitch.
- Vitamin deficiency – Vitamins such as magnesium, Vitamin D, and calcium are vital for the muscles to function properly. If a person is deficient in any one of these vitamins, this can cause muscle dysfunction and can lead to wye twitch.
- Medication – Some medicines, such as anti-anxiety drugs, diuretics, antidepressants, and steroids can cause an imbalance in the electrolytes. The electrolyte imbalance can cause muscle spasms. Ask your doctor about the medications that you are taking and their potential side effects.
- Eye strain – Muscles that have been overworked may twitch. The muscles in the eye are similar to other muscles. Long durations of focus might fatigue the eye muscles and cause an eyelid spasm.
- Drugs – Stimulant medications, such as amphetamines, produce effects analogous to caffeine (another stimulant) on the muscles. This involves twitching muscles, which could impact the eyelids.
- Alcohol – Consumption of alcohol might make it more difficult for the body to absorb nutrients. Excessive use of alcohol can cause vitamin deficiencies and can also cause muscle spasms all over the body, including the eyes.
- Allergies – During allergy, the body releases a chemical called histamine. It affects the blood vessels and smooth muscles in the body causing the muscle to spasm.
Other typical reasons for ocular spasms include:
- Dry eyes
- Irritation of the eye surface or inner eyelids
- Smoking, stress, or pollution (wind or air)
- Photophobia (light sensitivity)
Rare causes of eye twitching
Neurological problems can cause serious eye-twitching problems. These causes, which are more uncommon than the ones on the list above, might need medical attention. They consist of:
- Multiple sclerosis – It is an autoimmune disease. In this condition, the healthy tissues in the brain and spinal cord can be attacked by the immune system.
- Parkinson’s disease – It is a neurological condition that results in uncontrollable movements including tremors and muscle rigidity.
- Brain damage – Brain and nervous system disorders can also cause eyelid twitching. Certain areas of the brain including the thalamus, brainstem, and basal ganglia when affected by inflammation can cause brain damage. A brain stroke can also cause damage to the brain that can cause eye twitches.
- Dystonia – In people with dystonia, uncontrollable muscular contractions result in abnormal postures or repetitive motions.
- Tourette syndrome – A neurological condition called Tourette syndrome results in abrupt, uncontrollable, repetitive movements or vocalizations.
- Bell’s palsy – Bell’s palsy is a disorder marked by paralysis or weakening of the facial muscles. Viral infection is involved in the majority of instances.
- Meige syndrome – Sometimes those who experience benign essential blepharospasm develop Meige syndrome (sometimes also called Brueghel syndrome). A neurological movement disease called Meige syndrome is characterized by jarring muscular spasms. Jaw, tongue, and ocular muscles are among those that are affected. It happens when the muscles that move your eyes, lower face, and jaw suddenly contract with great force and oftentimes great pain. The tongue, jaw, and eyelids all twitch in those with Meige syndrome. The basal ganglia in your brain are thought to be to blame, though the exact explanation is unknown.
When should I consult a physician about my eye twitch?
In general, it’s a good idea to get assistance if you encounter:
- lasting more than a few days of twitching.
- twitches in different areas of your body or face.
- weakness, drooping eyelids, or double vision
- increased sensitivity to light.
- Red eyes
- eyelid enlargement
- Discharge from the eyes.
- Mental fogginess.
- vision loss or blurring in one or both eyes.
Treatments for Eye twitching
Minor eye twitching can usually go on its own. You have to take rest, avoid alcohol, and caffeine, and quit smoking. If the cause behind eye twitching is dry eyes, try using over-the-counter artificial tears.
The following are the treatment options that can be prescribed by the doctor to treat eye twitching:
- Eye drops such as cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion because it moistens dry eyes.
- Oral medications are also available to treat eye spasms but are not always helpful. They include these oral medicines, trihexyphenidyl, baclofen, clonazepam, tetrabenazine, and carbamazepine.
- Neurotoxin injections relax the muscles and prevent twitching.
- Myectomy is an invasive surgical treatment that includes removing a portion of the muscle when someone has significant eyelid twitching associated with essential blepharospasm.
Some alternative treatments to treat eye twitching include:
- Acupuncture
- Nutrition therapy
- Hypnosis
- Biofeedback
- Chiropractic
- Tinted glasses
When does an eye twitch indicate a more serious issue?
An eyelid twitch may, in extremely rare circumstances, be a symptom of a nerve or brain problem. If the only symptom you experience is an eye twitch, you most likely have a sporadic spasm, which is typically brought on by stress. If you also have other symptoms, it may be necessary to consult your doctor every once. Examples of such symptoms include:
- the Bell palsy.
- scratches on the cornea.
- Dystonia (including facial, oromandibular, and cervical) (including facial, oromandibular, and cervical).
- a number of scleroses (MS).
- Parkinson’s condition.
- Tourette’s disorder
Who has the highest risk of developing eye twitching?
Anyone can experience brief eyelid twitches, but some people are more susceptible to chronic ones:
Gender: Meige syndrome and benign essential blepharospasm are twice as common in women or persons who were classified as female at birth (DFAB) as they are in men or those who were designated as male at birth (DMAB), although no one is sure why.
Genetics: The majority of cases of benign essential blepharospasm occur in individuals without a family history of the condition. Studies have shown that some families have a higher prevalence of chronic benign essential blepharospasm, but geneticists have not yet determined which genes are to blame. Geneticists have determined that it appears to be sufficient for the disease to be passed along if one parent has it.
Complications from twitching eyelids
Severe and continuous eye twitching can harm the eyelids and the surrounding tissues permanently. The following complications could result from this:
- Eyelids on the upper half drooping (ptosis)
- Lowered brows compared to usual
- A buildup of skin around the eyes
- Eyelids display unusual folding
Even though sometimes these issues only look cosmetic, extreme cases might impair vision. For instance, advanced ptosis can make the eyelid drop into a person’s field of vision and impair vision. With surgical intervention, these problems are frequently ameliorated or eliminated.
