When your eyelid twitches, most of the time it’s due to fatigue, eye pressure, or irritation of the eyes. Eyelid spasms are a common, harmless problem. However, there are also situations when they can indicate an ophthalmological disorder or a health problem that requires treatment.
What causes eyelid twitching? Causes
Fatigue, stress, caffeine, and excessive alcohol consumption are the most common reasons for eyelid twitching. Sometimes, they can also occur as a side effect of migraine medications.
There are also more severe situations, when the eyelid twitches so hard that the eye closes completely. In this case, it is blepharospasm. This ophthalmological disorder is caused by the irritation of the cornea (the surface of the eye) or the conjunctiva (the transparent membrane that lines the eyelids).
Eyelid twitching can last for several days and then disappear on their own.
How is eyelid twitching treated?
Most people do not need ophthalmological treatment when their eyelid twitches. The spasms usually go away within a few days, but there are a few things you can do to reduce discomfort:
- Rest more.
- Drink less coffee.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Use eye drops to hydrate the eye.
If eyelid spasms are severe or last longer, your doctor may recommend botulinum toxin injections to relax the eye muscles. In rare cases of acute blepharospasm, the specialist may suggest a surgical intervention.
Schedule an ophthalmological examination if:
- Your eyelid twitches for more than a week;
- You notice redness, inflammation, or discharge in the eye;
- The upper eyelid droops more and more;
- Eyelid spasms completely close your eye;
- The spasms start to affect other parts of the face as well.
Dr. Holhoș clinics are ready to provide you with top-notch services, with state-of-the-art technology and the best specialists in ophthalmology.
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