Health
Eye Twitches Explained: What Triggers Them and When It’s a Medical Issue
Have you ever been sitting at your desk looking at your screen when the skin surrounding your eye begins to move erratically? Or perhaps you’ve been talking to your partner when you suddenly seem to be trying to wink at them quickly.
It feels like the only thing to do is to endure that strange little eye twitch. You can definitely sense it, even if other people don’t always notice it.
However, as I’m beginning to demonstrate here, it can be really difficult to explain.
However, the odd small twitch in your eye appears and disappears at random, sometimes without any apparent cause.
Though the NHS advises that twitching eyes are normally nothing to be concerned about, there are a number of possible causes, and occasionally medical assistance is necessary.
What causes eye twitching?
Usually referred to as myokymia, eyelid twitching can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress and worry, exhaustion, caffeine or alcohol consumption, and certain drugs.
Nicotine, eye strain, exposure to intense light, wind, air pollution, or inflammation can also cause the twitches.
When you should be worried and need to reach out for help
Eye twitches typically occur intermittently and resolve after a few days or weeks. Generally speaking, there is no cure for a twitch.
But according to the NHS, there are times when you should consult a general practitioner. This involves having a twitch in multiple locations or having one for longer than two weeks.
Additionally, if the affected area seems stiff or weak, or if you suspect that a prescription medication is the source of your twitch, you should schedule a visit with your doctor.
Lifestyle changes to make and how you can reduce stress
The NHS states that stressing about your twitch might actually make it worse, therefore it’s crucial to try not to worry about it.
It advises you to get lots of sleep and look for ways to de-stress if eye twitches are bothering you.
It also suggests a few lifestyle adjustments, such reducing your intake of alcohol and caffeine. However, don’t stop taking your medication without first consulting a doctor if you’re concerned that it’s the cause of your twitch.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises the following to reduce your daily stress level because stress is a major contributor to eye twitching:
- Avoid constantly consuming negative news stories
- Connect with those who you like being around
- Exercise regular
- Make time in your routine to unwind and do things you enjoy
- Try out meditation or yoga
- Deep breathing
However, the effectiveness of stress management varies from person to person, so it’s worthwhile to experiment to see what suits you.
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