Why does eyelid keep twitching

We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. An eye twitch can be unpredictable. It may last for several days or even longer.

It may occur off and on for several days. Then you may not experience any twitching for weeks or even months. But could it be a sign of a more serious problem?

Perry, MD. Most spasms will resolve on their own without the need for treatment. In rare cases, eyelid spasms may be an early warning sign of a chronic movement disorder, especially if the spasms are accompanied by other facial twitches or uncontrollable movements. Eyelid spasms may occur without any identifiable cause. This condition typically affects both eyes.

The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but the following may make spasms worse:. According to Genetics Home Reference , it affects approximately 50, Americans and usually develops in middle to late adulthood. If you think you have an eye injury, see your optometrist or ophthalmologist immediately. Corneal scratches can cause permanent eye damage. Eyelid twitches are rarely serious enough to require emergency medical treatment. However, chronic eyelid spasms may be a symptom of a more serious brain or nervous system disorder.

Most eyelid spasms go away without treatment in a few days or weeks. Botulinum toxin Botox injections are sometimes used to treat benign essential blepharospasm. Botox may ease severe spasms for a few months. However, as the effects of the injection wear off, you may need further injections. Surgery to remove some of the muscles and nerves in the eyelids myectomy can also treat more severe cases of benign essential blepharospasm.

Eyelid twitches have many causes. The treatment that works and the outlook varies depending on the person. Twitches related to stress, lack of sleep, and other lifestyle factors have the best outlook. The side effects of some medications, including topiramate , flunarizine, and clozapine, can also cause eyelid twitching.

However, this is uncommon. A study from Taiwan on chronic eyelid twitching found that around half of the participants had differences in nerve function. This might be due to a nerve conduction defect, explaining why some people develop a long-lasting twitch. The authors of the study suggest that it may be because females, particularly in China, may experience higher levels of stress than males due to societal or cultural pressures.

Overall, though, more research is necessary. Doctors do not know what causes blepharospasm, but it can sometimes be related to underlying conditions, such as :. The underlying conditions that can cause hemifacial spasm are similar and include :. Many of the known triggers for mild eye twitching are lifestyle-related, so people may be able to prevent this symptom by changing their daily routine.

This may mean:. If eye twitching occurs frequently, people may find it helpful to record when it happens and note down any other contributing factors. This may help someone identify a pattern. However, if the eye twitching is disruptive and does not appear to be related to daily habits, a doctor may be able to provide other treatments to curb or prevent it.

This could include Botox injections, which work by temporarily paralyzing the affected muscles to prevent the twitch. In rare cases, doctors may recommend an eyelid protractor myectomy to correct blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm.

This procedure removes the muscles causing the spasms. Identifying any underlying conditions causing the spasms will allow a doctor to treat to reduce or control this symptom. Get some restorative sleep. Step back from stress Being under stress can lead to a twitch. Cut back on caffeine As a stimulant, caffeine can cause eyelid spasms.

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