If you are worried about the sensation of a twitching eye, you are not alone, as many people suffer from the feeling of quivering and flickering eyelids at some point in their lives.
In the majority of cases there is nothing to worry about, and this bothersome feeling usually resolves itself within a couple of minutes. However, there are cases where the twitches continue for several days, so you may be worrying why it is happening and how you can make the twitches stop.
Let’s take a closer look at the causes of eyelid twitching and how you can treat these spasms.
What causes eye twitching?
If you are searching for a way to stop annoying eye twitches, otherwise known as myokymia, you need to find out what is causing them. There are many causes, many of which can be easily identified and rectified, such as:
Caffeine and alcohol use
Many studies have found that alcohol and caffeine found in tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, and energy drinks can increase the regularity and symptoms of eye twitching. By cutting back on these drinks or switching to decaffeinated drinks, you should quickly see an improvement and your sleep will also improve.
Tiredness
This is one of the leading causes of eye twitching, so if you are feeling sleep deprived, you may find that a few early nights and an improved routine will help to reduce the twitches.
High levels of stress
We all react to stress differently, and many people suffer from eye strain and twitching if they are suffering from high levels of stress. Try to find ways to rest and relax, as this will help you to reduce the effects of stress on your body.
Roughly 50% of the population will suffer from dry eyes at some point in their lives, especially as part of the ageing process. Although, dry eyes can also be caused by medications, alcohol, caffeine, stress, and tiredness, which can all increase the likelihood of eye twitching.
Eye strain
If your vision is strained for a prolonged period, you may need new glasses or contact lenses. The constant straining, especially when using a computer, phone, or tablet, can increase the likelihood of eye twitches, so it is advisable to see an optician as soon as possible.
Nutritional deficiencies or imbalances
Lacking certain vitamins and minerals will have an impact on our bodies, and some studies have found that deficiencies in magnesium could be a cause of eye twitching.
Allergies
If you suffer from allergies, you will be familiar with the feeling of itchy and swollen eyes, and there is evidence to suggest that histamines can cause eye twitching.
How to treat eye twitching?
As you can see above, there are many triggers for twitching eyes, some of which may require you to make some changes to your lifestyle. However, in some rare cases there may be serious neurological conditions which need further investigation, such as hemifacial spasms and blepharospasms. If you are suffering from prolonged issues with eye twitching, it is important to make an appointment with an optician who will be above to make a diagnosis and recommend treatment.
Your local team of Realeyes Opticians are here to help, and during your appointment, we will discuss potential causes, treatments and investigate the possibility of any serious underlying issues. To find out more, book an appointment with your local branch today.
