Eye twitching is a common eye condition. It is an involuntary and repetitive movement of eyelid muscles, usually affecting the upper eyelid. However, it can sometimes also occur in the lower eyelid. For most people, it lasts for a few seconds to minutes. However, if the twitches are regular or interfere with your vision, they could indicate a more serious issue.
What causes the eyes to twitch?
If you’re wondering, ‘Why does my eye keep twitching?’, we have just the answer for you. According to the NHS, twitches are often linked to:
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Excessive caffeine intake
- Alcohol consumption
- Dry eyes
- Eye strain
- Allergies
- Nutritional deficiencies
Types of eye twitching
Twitching can symbolise different things, for example, issues related to nerves and muscles or if you’ve been going through stress lately. However, it is important to understand what triggers twitching. As so, we have listed different types of twitches and their effects.
| Type | What parts does it affect | How it feels |
| Myokymia (most common type) | Usually affects the lower eyelid. | Causes mild, repetitive twitching that may last for a few seconds to minutes |
| Blepharospasm (a rare neurological disorder) | Affects one or both eyelids. | Causes involuntary, forceful blinking or full eyelid closure of one or both eyelids. Can last from a few minutes up to an hour. |
| Hemifacial spasm (a neuromuscular disorder) | Affects one side of the face. Often starts near the eyes, can sometimes spread to the mouth. | Causes involuntary, repetitive twitching or spasms. Usually lasts from a few seconds to minutes. |
Note: As suggested by the NHS, if your eyes keep twitching for more than 2 weeks, close during spasms or affect your vision, you must visit your optician immediately.
What can I do to stop my eye from twitching
Most cases of eyelid twitches resolve without treatment. However, a few lifestyle adjustments can make a real difference.
- Get more sleep and reduce stress levels
- Follow break routine
- Use warm compresses to relax the eyelid muscles
- Stay hydrated as dehydration can cause your eyes to feel dry and irritated
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help maintain optimal eye health
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake as they can overstimulate the nervous system and contribute to eye twitching
Treatments for eye twitching
If lifestyle changes or at-home treatments are not effective or if the twitching becomes frequent or severe, medical treatment may be needed. Your doctor may recommend the following treatments:
1. Botox (Botulinum Toxin) Injections
Tiny doses of Botox can temporarily relax the affected eyelid muscles. It is one of the most effective treatments for chronic twitching. The effects usually last around three to four months. The treatment can be repeated further, if required.
2. Neurological Treatments
If the twitching is caused by an underlying nerve condition, such as hemifacial spasm, treatment will focus on the source of the problem:
– Microvascular decompression surgery – performed when a blood vessel is pressing on the facial nerve
– Physiotherapy or biofeedback – can help retrain muscle control and reduce involuntary spasms in milder cases
3. Prescription Medications
In some cases, doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants or anticonvulsants such as clonazepam, gabapentin or baclofen to calm overactive nerve signals.
When to see a doctor?
You should seek professional advice if:
- Twitching lasts longer than two weeks
- Your eyelid shuts completely during twitches
- Twitching spreads to other parts of your face
- You experience redness, swelling or discharge
- Your vision changes
- You experience pain
- You experience twitching after an eye injury or surgery
Your optician can examine your eyes for other underlying problems. They may refer you to a specialist if required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my eye twitching randomly?
Eye twitching is quite common and mostly harmless. Random eye twitching occurs when small muscles surrounding the eye become overstimulated. Most of the time, this occurs due to very simple situations such as stress, fatigue or sometimes, a lot of screen time. Mostly, twitching usually resolves itself within a few minutes.
Should I be worried that the muscles in my eyelid twitching is serious?
In most cases, it is not serious. But if the twitches don’t improve, your eyelid closes completely or the twitch spreads to face, it can be seious. In this case, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately.
Which deficiency causes the eyes to twitch?
Eye twitching can sometimes be triggered by a deficiency in certain vitamins and nutrients, essential for nerve and muscle function, such as electrolytes, vitamin B12, vitamin D, or magnesium.
Khuram Sarwar is a qualified Dispensing Optician at Feel Good Contacts. He holds over 14 years of experience in the optical industry. Registered with the General Optical Council (GOC), Mr. Sarwar is also a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). He completed his training at ABDO College before achieving a BSc (Hons) in Ophthalmic Dispensing from Canterbury Christ Church University. In his professional career, Khuram has worked with some of the industry’s leading experts and continues to offer practical, expert advice on both contact lenses and glasses.
