Eye twitching

What is eye twitching?

Eye twitching, which refers to the involuntary movement of the eyelids, is usually a harmless eye condition that most people will experience at some point. A twitch in the eye usually passes quickly, but symptoms can range from mild, occasional movements to more persistent eye twitching that last for days or even weeks.

Causes of eye twitching

So, what actually causes eye twitching? If you notice this becoming a persistent or recurring issue, there are several factors that could be leading to or aggravating the condition.

Lifestyle causes of twitching eyes

Eyelid twitches can occur at any time in your life for no apparent reason, but certain lifestyle‑related factors can be what causes your eye to twitch or worsen the spasms, including:

• Lack of sleep or tiredness: Prolonged periods of bad (or not enough) sleep may disrupt your body’s natural restorative process, causing eye muscles to struggle.

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water could affect the balance of electrolytes in your body, leading to muscle spasms, including those in the eyelids.

• Feeling stressed or anxious: When you’re stressed, high cortisone levels can impact your body causing your eyes to twitch.

• Eye strain: Prolonged screen time or focusing on a task, such as reading a book, for a long time can lead to eye strain and twitching.

• Eye irritation: Allergies, such as hay fever, or exposure to smoke and wind can irritate your eyes.

• Too much caffeine or alcohol: Stimulants like caffeine and alcohol can overstimulate the nervous system, potentially triggering muscle spasms in the eyelids.

• Side effects of certain medications: Certain drugs and medications list eye twitching as a common side effect.

• Eye injury: Trauma to the eye or eyelid can result in twitching.

Medical causes of eye twitching

Some nerve and brain disorders could could cause uncontrollable blinking or eye movement, such as:

• Parkinson's disease

• Tourette's syndrome

• Bell's palsy

• Multiple sclerosis

• Hyperthyroidism

If an eye twitch is your only symptom, it’s unlikely that these conditions are the cause. However, we recommend getting in touch with a medical professional to rule them out if you're concerned.

How to treat eye twitching

While this condition often resolves itself, our tips on how to stop eye twitching can help bring some more immediate relief:

At home treatment

Most eye twitches are harmless and can often improve on their own. However, if they don’t, you can treat your eye twitch with some simple treatments at home.

• Warm compress: Try applying a warm compress to the affected eye for a few minutes to relax the muscles.

• Eye drops: Consider over‑the‑counter treatments such as eye drops to treat underlying conditions such as dry eye.

• Cold compress: If the eyelid feels sore or inflamed, use a cool compress to reduce discomfort.

• Rest your eyes: Close your eyes and rest them, along with reducing prolonged screen time to give your eye muscles a break.

Medical treatment

If you’re getting stronger and more frequent eyelid spasms, you might need specialist medical treatment to stop the twitching.

Your treatment options might include:

• Botulinum toxin injections: Botulinum toxin injections, such as Botox, are a common and effective treatment for benign essential blepharospasm (BEB). The toxin is injected into the affected muscles around the eyes, temporarily paralysing them and reducing eye spasms. The treatment typically lasts for several months before needing another dose but it can be expensive.

• Oral medication: Some medications, such as muscle relaxants or anti‑seizure medications, can help reduce the frequency and severity of eyelid spasms.

• Surgery: In acute cases of BEB that do not respond to other treatments, surgery, such as a myectomy – a procedure which involves removing some of the muscles responsible for eyelid spasms ‑ can be a good option.

• Supportive therapies: Various supportive therapies, such as stress management techniques, relaxation exercises, or the use of tinted glasses or sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity, could help alleviate the symptoms of eye twitching.

When to see a medical professional about eye twitching

You should seek medical advice if your eye keeps twitching for extended periods, happens more frequently or the spasms spread to other parts of your face. You should also look out for other concerning symptoms such as:

• Eye twitching that significantly affects your quality of life or ability to carry out everyday tasks.

• A twitching eye that is accompanied by another symptom such as facial spasms, drooping eyelids, or changes in vision.

• Pain, redness, swelling, or discharge in or around the eye.

• Twitching after an eye injury or surgery.

• History of neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson's disease.

• Inability to control the eye twitching or worsening symptoms despite attempting self‑care measures.

In these instances, you should consult with an eye doctor or healthcare professional.

How to prevent eye twitching

Eye twitching can come on out of the blue and can’t always be avoided. However, there are multiple steps you can take that may reduce the chances of it happening. Here are some tips that could stop your eyes from twitching:

• Get more sleep: Aim for 7‑9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your eyes and body to rest and rejuvenate fully.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during hot and dry weather.

• Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake: Be mindful of your intake and consider cutting back if you notice eye twitching after drinking lots of caffeine or alcohol.

• Take regular screen breaks: If you spend hours staring at digital screens, like your computer, smartphone, or tablet, try and practice the 20‑20‑20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20‑second break to look at something 20 feet away. This can help reduce eye strain and prevent eye twitching.

• Manage your stress levels: Taking regular breaks to relax and unwind could also help alleviate tension in the eyes and in turn reduce spasms. Prioritise stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness.