Eye Twitching: A Complete Guide

You might have checked all the checkboxes of causes for eye twitching. Is eye twitching normal? Fatal? Serious? Severe? We will answer all that! But before let’s take a look at what is eye twitching…

Unwanted or involuntary flickering or twitching of the eyelid is scientifically known as ocular myokymia. Ocular meaning “of the eyes” and myokymia meaning “fine or flickering quivering and contractions of muscles”.

Unwanted or involuntary constant flickering or abnormal blinking of the eyelid is eye twitching. It is also commonly called ocular myokymia. Ocular means, “of or connected with the eyes or vision” and myokymia means, “fine or flickering quivering, rippling, and undulating contractions of parts of muscle fascicles.”

It can happen very often, or rarely, and can affect both the upper and lower eyelids. It can last seconds, hours and even days!

All of a sudden, you can experience an eyelid twitch and it might last minute, hours or longer than days.

Usually, a common eyelid twitch is harmless.

What causes this weird involuntary movement? The classic culprits :

• Alcohol intake
• Bright light
• Excessive caffeine intake
• Fatigue
• Eye Irritation on the surface of the eye or inner eyelids
• Smoking
• Stress
• Air pollution
• Dry eyes
• Overexertion

What You Can Do To Make It Go Away?

• Sleep as much as you can
• Do stress-reducing activities
• Limit caffeine, tea & soda intake
• Moisturise eyes
• Stop smoking
• Put warm water cloth on eyes
• Stop consuming alcohol
• Exercise

Signs That Your Eye Twitch Is Worsening :

• You have a blurry vision
• Your sensitivity is increased towards the light
• You are getting facial spasms
• Your eye is red, swollen
• Your eye has an unusual discharge
• Your eyelid completely closes each time your eyelids twitch
• Twitching continues for several weeks

In case of the above signs, immediately seek a doctor’s guidance.