Reasons why eyeballs twitch

What Is an Eyelid Spasm? Eyelid Twitch Typically a unilateral slight spasm of your lower or upper eyelid, or occasionally both eyelids, is common, of no concern, and usually resolves in a few days. This can be associated with lack of sleep, stress, or excess caffeine. Essential Blepharospasm An involuntary condition involving both eyes which starts as an increased blink rate and eventually leads to closing of the eyelids as well as squeezing of the muscles around the eyes.

In some cases of essential blepharospasm, muscles of the mouth or neck also are involved. When these spasms occur, the involuntary eyelid closure may cause a temporary inability to see. Essential blepharospasm is rare but very troublesome and often incapacitating. Hemifacial Spasm A condition that involves involuntary closure of the eye along with muscles in the cheek, mouth, and neck, but on only one side of the face.

Symptoms Twitching or spasm around the eyes Facial spasms The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have eyelid spasms. Causes The cause of minor eyelid twitch is unknown. The essential blepharospasm is a focal dystonia, or abnormal movement, produced by the part of the brain controlling movement.

The cause of essential blepharospasm is almost never a psychiatric disease. Additionally, many experts believe that too much caffeine or alcohol can also trigger minor eye twitches.

There are some cases where eye twitching is more than a temporary annoyance and is a sign of an eye condition, such as dry eyes. There are treatments that can soothe the twitching along with other symptoms; such as over-the-counter artificial tears, hot and cold compresses, or a prescribed cream or scrub.

If you feel your eyes begin to twitch, take a look at your recent lifestyle choices. How much sleep have you been getting? Are you feeling stressed or anxious? Have you spent significant time in front of a computer? Try to reduce your source of stress, catch up on sleep, and take breaks from your computer monitor to rest your eyes.

Be sure to reduce your caffeine consumption as well sorry, coffee lovers. The doctor will examine your eyes and consult with you to determine a course of resolve. This article was reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Tsai, OD. Tsai practices In New York City. Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Stress is probably the most common cause of eye twitching. Yoga, breathing exercises, spending time with friends or pets and getting more down time into your schedule are ways to reduce stress that may be causing your eyelid twitch.

Lack of sleep, whether because of stress or some other reason, can trigger eye twitching. Catching up on your sleep and having a consistent sleep schedule can help. Eye strain — particularly digital eye strain from overuse of computers, tablets and smartphones — also is a common cause of eyelid twitching.

Follow the " rule" when using digital devices: Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and allow your eyes to focus on a distant object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds or longer.

This reduces fatigue that may trigger eye twitching. Also, ask your eye doctor about computer eyeglasses to relieve digital eye strain. Too much caffeine can trigger eye twitching. Try cutting back on coffee, tea and soft drinks or switch to decaffeinated versions for a week or two and see if your eye twitching disappears.

If you experience eye twitching after drinking beer, wine or liquor, take a break from the booze, since alcohol consumption may cause eyelids to twitch.