{"id":8750,"date":"2020-11-02T09:50:58","date_gmt":"2020-11-02T09:50:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=8750"},"modified":"2021-08-10T11:47:22","modified_gmt":"2021-08-10T11:47:22","slug":"why-is-my-eye-twitching","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-eye-conditions\/guide-to-blurry-vision-and-headaches\/digital-eye-strain\/why-is-my-eye-twitching\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is My Eye Twitching?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you ever felt your eyelid moving or twitching involuntarily?<\/h2>\n

What is an eye twitch?<\/b><\/h2>\n

An eye twitch, clinically termed myokymia, occurs when the eyelid muscles<\/a> spasm uncontrollably.<\/p>\n

You may feel like everyone else can see it and it may be distracting you from your daily activities\u2014 but rest assured that most eye twitches are actually not as noticeable as you think and with some lifestyle changes, most eye twitches will disappear on their own.<\/p>\n

An eye twitch can last from a few minutes to a few days, and sometimes even longer\u2014 depending on the cause.<\/p>\n

What causes an eye twitch and how can I stop it?<\/b><\/h2>\n

An eye twitch can develop for a number of reasons and will typically disappear when the underlying cause is resolved.<\/p>\n

The most common reasons include:<\/p>\n

1. Stress<\/b><\/h3>\n

This is the most common cause of an eye twitch. When you feel stressed, either mentally or physically, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol acts like a stimulant, similar to caffeine, which can cause your eyelid to twitch.<\/p>\n

To relieve an eye twitch induced by stress, try to get involved in stress-relieving activities: deep breathing exercises, yoga, spending time with friends, or taking time out of your day to just relax with a calming activity.<\/p>\n

2. Fatigue<\/b><\/h3>\n

Getting a good night\u2019s sleep is not only important for your overall health, but can also help to keep your hormones in balance and relieve stress. While you sleep, your eyes also have a chance to rest from the visual stimulation they get all day.<\/p>\n

Doctors recommend getting around 8 hours of sleep each night. If you’re feeling extra tired these days, your eye twitch may be a sign that you need a few additional hours of sleep.<\/p>\n

3. Allergies<\/b><\/h3>\n

Eye allergies<\/a> can cause red, itchy, watery eyes and eyelid swelling. Rubbing your eyes can actually make your symptoms worse as the histamine can work its way further into your eyelid tissues and tear film. This can sometimes result in an eye twitch.<\/p>\n

If you suffer from eye allergy symptoms, using an over-the-counter (OTC) eye drop can help to relieve your discomfort. However, be sure to consult with your eye doctor before trying any new eye drops, as antihistamine drops can lead to dry eyes, another cause of an eye twitch.<\/p>\n

4. Dry eyes<\/b><\/h3>\n

Dry eyes<\/a> are a common complaint that can make your eyes feel sore and uncomfortable, and can also lead to an eye twitch.<\/p>\n

If you are experiencing dry eyes, an OTC lubricating eye drop may help to relieve your symptoms and eye twitch.<\/p>\n

However, it’s always a good idea to speak with your eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. If left untreated, dry eyes can cause blurred vision and other uncomfortable symptoms that can affect your performance of daily activities.<\/p>\n

If you have an eye twitch, contact an eye doctor<\/a> near you, who can diagnose and discuss the best treatment options.<\/strong><\/p>\n

SEE RELATED:<\/strong> Headaches and Vision Therapy: Top 5 Q&A<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t

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