Eye Twitching/Eyelid Spasm: Causes, Preventions, and Remedies

Eye twitching is a repetitive, uncontrollable blinking of the eyelid. A minor eye twitching is painless and harmless that may come and go, though some may last for a week or even a month. Eye twitching is quite common and usually affect both eye muscles.

It is quite annoying,and can even create emotional distress to some people, especially if the spasm is strong enough that forces you to close your eyes and seen by others. Although there are also cases the spasm is very subtle, not noticeable by others.

Almost all cases of minor and common eye twitching are not serious or a sign of a medical problem. Chronic eye twitching from a neurological condition (such as blepharospasm, Parkinson's disease, Bell's palsy,hemifacial spasm, etc.) are best referred to a specialist doctor.

The causes are usually lifestyle-related. Here are some of the known causes and ways to reduce chances of having eye twitching:

Reduce stress.

• Proper breathing exercises, attending yoga and tai chi classes, socializing with friends are just among the stress relieving activities. Stress can either be, or combination, from physical exertion, work, or emotions. Acupuncture and massage therapy will help you deal with stress.

Lack of Sleep.

• Whether it is from being fatigued or from other causes, make it habit to take a good sleep as much as possible. Having adequate sleep helps our body in so many ways.

Eye Strain.

• Do not overwork your eyes because this will trigger eye twitching. Take some time off from staring the computer screen to reduce eye muscle fatigue. Also, wearing glasses and change of glasses is both vision-related stress. Go and see your eye doctor to check your vision and update your eyeglasses. Follow the "20-20-20" rule when using electronic devices.

Caffeine.

• Too much caffeine intake from coffee, tea, and chocolate may trigger eye twitching. Drinking moderately and switching to a decaffeinated one will reduce eye twitching.

Alcohol and Tobacco.

• Too much intake of alcoholic beverages and cigarette smoking will also trigger this eye condition. If abstaining isn't possible, drinking in moderation might help.

Dry Eyes.

• This is common as you get older, usually after the age of 50. Some of the factors that contribute to having dry eyes are having a tired eyes, long use of computers and laptops, too much caffeine intake, people on contact lens, and as a side effect of a medication (antidepressant, antihistamines, etc.). Consult your doctor to get eye evaluation and treatment.
           

Nutritional Deficiency.

• According to some report, although not conclusive, the lack of magnesium and other nutritional substance will trigger eye twitching. A recommended nutritional therapy helps a lot.

Eye Allergies/Irritation.

• Histamine released from the allergic reaction can cause eye twitching. Your doctor might prescribe antihistamine drugs to treat the allergies. Precaution be pointed out because antihistamine drugs can cause dry eyes, which might trigger eye twitching.