Why Does Your Eye Twitch?

Do you hate having your eye twitch when you're in the middle of a conversation? At first, you think nothing of it, but as it continues you start to feel worried, and maybe even a bit self-conscious. Eye twitches can have multiple causes that range from mild to severe, but there are solutions available for you at CEENTA.

What are eye twitches?

Eye twitches are involuntary spasms of the eye muscles or eyelid, known as a blepharospasm. These twitches can happen randomly and last for a few seconds or as long as a few minutes depending on the root cause.

What causes eye twitches?

Eye twitching can occur from a variety of environmental factors, some of which are brought on by lifestyle. These include:

• Sugary diets
• Caffeinated beverages
• Alcoholic beverages
• Stress
• Fatigue

However, sometimes the cause can be biological. Neurological diseases like Bell’s palsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease can lead to eye twitching as a symptom.

Who is more prone to eye twitching?

While eye twitching is common in middle-to-late aged adults, it can happen to anyone. As mentioned previously, stressful situations and poor dieting practices can lead to or exacerbate eye twitches, and these situations can work in tandem. Individuals who have had a history of head trauma may also be prone to eye twitching along with other eye conditions.

How do you treat eye twitches?

Depending on the cause of your eye twitching, treatment can be as simple as adjusting your lifestyle. Modifying your food and beverage consumption, specifically by reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, can reduce or even stop the twitching, while long-term strategies like stress management can mitigate the symptom in the long run. Warm compresses and antihistamines can also be effective.

For more severe eye twitches, your options may include Botox injections or surgery on the specific eye muscles causing the condition. This may require a consultation with a neuro-ophthalmologist to discuss further treatments.

Eye twitching can affect your physical and mental well-being, which is why it is important to discuss your symptoms with an eye specialist. At CEENTA, we can diagnose and treat mild to severe eye twitching through the expertise of our eye doctors and neuro-ophthalmologists. Schedule an appointment with a CEENTA eye specialist today for a solution that works best for you.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make appointments online with our eye doctors in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.