Eye Twitching

Eye Twitching is an involuntary movement or rapid jerking of the eyelid muscles. It can occur on both the upper and lower eyelids. But it usually affects the upper eyelid and usually affects one eye at a time.

Eye twitching can happen to anyone. Most people with the condition will find that the symptoms are not severe, but some may experience twitching so severe that they want to close their eyes or become annoyed. And some people may have only minor symptoms that cannot be noticed.

twitching eyelids

Blepharospasm usually occurs in one eye at a time. It can occur on both the upper and lower eyelids. But it mostly occurs on the upper eyelid. Eye twitching symptoms can range from mildly noticeable to very annoying twitching symptoms. and the incidence rate of symptoms cannot be predicted. It may occur and then disappear on its own within a short time. But it may happen again in the next few hours. Or it may last for a day or more and then come back again.

Eye spasms do not cause pain and are usually not dangerous. But it can be annoying for those who have symptoms. In addition, the symptoms usually go away on their own without treatment. But in rare cases, eye twitching may be a warning sign of a chronic or severe disease. Especially in cases where there is also twitching in other parts of the face.

Causes of eye twitching

The cause of nystagmus is not yet known. But the doctor assumed that it is related to abnormal functioning of the part of the brain that controls muscle activity Symptoms are often caused by stress, lack of sleep, and excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption. and may include the following reasons, such as

• Irritation of the eye or inner eyelid.
• Tired eyes
• dry eyes
• Dizziness
• exercise
• light wind
• smoking
• Side effects from using certain drugs

If you have chronic eyelid twitching Also known as Benign Essential Blepharospasm, which causes twitching in both eyes. from abnormal movements (Dystonia) of the muscles around the eyes, which The exact cause is not yet known. But the following factors can make symptoms worse.

• eyelid inflammation
• conjunctivitis
• dry eyes
• Irritation from environmental factors such as wind, bright lights, sunlight, or pollution.
• Have fatigue
• sensitive to light
• have stress
• Consuming too much alcohol or caffeine
• smoking

Eye twitching can be a sign of certain abnormalities with the brain and nervous system, including:

• Facial paralysis (Bell’ Palsy)
• Cervical Dystonia
• Muscular spasms (Dystonia)
• Multiple Sclerosis (Multiple Sclerosis)
• Oral muscle disease or jaw spasm (Oromandibular Dystonia)
• Facial Dystonia (Facial Dystonia)
• Tourette’s Disorder

When should I see a doctor?

Eye twitching usually goes away on its own within a few days or weeks. But if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor.

• There is continuous eye twitching that does not go away for a period of 1-2 weeks.
• The eyelids come down and close tightly while twitching. or having difficulty opening your eyes
• There is also twitching in other parts of the face or other parts of the body.
• Drooping eyelids
• Eyelids are swollen, red, or have eye discharge.
• An injury to the cornea has occurred.

Diagnosis of nystagmus

If there is continuous eye twitching for a period of a week. or the symptoms worsen and become a nuisance Patients should see a doctor for a diagnosis. The doctor will diagnose with a thorough eye exam to rule out other eye diseases and conditions with similar symptoms, such as dry eyes, sensitivity to light, or twitching that spreads down to other parts of the face or if different muscles are involved. Any part of the face should undergo additional diagnostic testing.

In addition, if the doctor suspects that the eye twitching is related to abnormalities of the brain or nervous system, The doctor will check for additional signs or symptoms and may refer you to a neurologist or specialist in the nervous system.

Treating eye twitching

Blepharospasm usually resolves on its own within days or weeks without treatment. But if the symptoms do not disappear Patients should try to avoid or reduce the primary causes in order to relieve their own eye twitching symptoms, including:

• Get enough sleep.
• Consume less caffeine
• Avoid alcohol
• avoid smoking
• Try to reduce or avoid stress.
• In cases of dry eyes, artificial tears or eye drops should be used to lubricate the eyes and conjunctiva.
• Use a hot compress when symptoms begin. To relax the muscles around the eyes

treatment by doctor

For non-severe cases The doctor may recommend medication such as Clonazepam (Clonazepam), Lorazepam ( Lorazepam ),  and Trihexyphenidyl. (Trihexyphenidyl) These drugs can only temporarily relieve or stop the symptoms of eye twitching.

For cases where the eye twitching is severe The doctor may also refer you to an ophthalmologist with special expertise for treatment. Botox injections , which can temporarily stop eye twitching for a few months . And when the Botox wears off, it may need to be injected again.

In addition, surgery such as myectomy involves cutting the muscle or optic nerve of the eyelid. It is a method that may help relieve symptoms of severe eye twitching.

Complications of eye twitching Eye twitching can be a serious symptom that is caused by abnormalities of the brain or nervous system. However, Eye twitching that occurs because of this abnormality is always accompanied by other symptoms. Diseases or abnormalities of the brain and nerves that can cause eye twitching include:

• Facial paralysis (Bell’ Palsy) is a condition that causes only one side of the face to become weak or distorted.
• Dystonia causes muscle spasms and the affected muscles to twist and tense .
• Cervical dystonia causes the neck to spasm and cause the head to twist into uncomfortable positions.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that causes abnormalities of the central nervous system. which is responsible for the processes of perception and movement
• Parkinson ‘s disease causes tremors in the arms and legs. Muscle fatigue Having trouble maintaining balance and makes it difficult to speak

Prevention of eye twitching

This is because doctors have assumed that the main causes of eye twitching include stress, lack of sleep, and consuming a lot of caffeine or alcohol. or smoking Therefore, initial prevention can be done in the following ways.

• Reduce stress or try not to cause stress .
• Get enough sleep. Go to bed 30 minutes to 1 hour earlier than usual.
• avoid smoking
• Reduce your caffeine and alcohol consumption.

Importantly, you should always keep a diary at the time of your symptoms to see if you consumed caffeine or alcohol, smoked cigarettes, and whether you had enough stress and sleep. In order to find the right solution.