Eye twitching can be irritating or even painful, making it hard to ignore. Knowing the causes of eye twitches can help you protect your eyes without the need for medical intervention.
Let’s explore the reasons behind eye twitches and how to get rid of them once and for all.
Causes of Eye Twitches
Most eye twitches can be broken up into one of the following categories: minor eye twitch, benign essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm.
Minor eye twitches, or myokymia, are the most common variation of eye twitches. They typically only affect one eye at a time and do not last very long. Myokymia can be caused by sleep deprivation, stress, nicotine, too much screen time and alcohol consumption.
Benign essential blepharospasms are classified as a movement disorder of the muscles around the eye. The exact causes are unknown, but they have been linked to conditions such as Tourette’s syndrome and dry eyes.
Hemifacial spasms are more violent and can affect tasks like eating and talking. Consult with your eye care specialist if you believe you are experiencing hemifacial spasms – they may be a sign of a serious neurological problem.
How to Prevent Minor Eye Twitches
Thankfully, most eye twitches are minor and not a cause for alarm. Even so, they can be annoying, and most of us would rather not prolong them.
Protect your eyes from myokymia by adjusting your daily habits. Limit alcohol, caffeine and tobacco use, and be sure to stay hydrated. If you have a desk job or spend too much time in front of a screen, give your eyes a 20-second break every 20 minutes. Find ways to eliminate stressors or make time for relaxing hobbies. Use allergy medication if needed and commit to getting good sleep.
If you implement these habits and your eye twitching persists, it could be a sign of something more severe. Get answers by contacting your optometrist.
Find Relief
If you’re experiencing persistent eye twitches, Complete Eye Care of Medina can help. We provide comprehensive eye exams, screenings and treatment for conditions that can cause twitches.
Schedule an appointment today.