A twitch usually occurs in the upper lid, but it can occur in both the upper and lower lids. Others may experience a spasm strong enough to force both eyelids to close completely. This is a different condition called blepharospasm. Episodes of eyelid twitching are unpredictable. The twitch may occur off and on for several days. Then, you may not experience any twitching for weeks or even months. The twitches are painless and harmless, but they may bother you.
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.
Accessed Jan. How to stop eye twitching. Twitching eyes and muscles. National Health Service. Goldman L, et al. Diseases of the visual system. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Elsevier; Benign essential blepharospasm. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation. Defasio G, et al. Blepharospasm 40 years later. Movement Disorders. The essential blepharospasm is a focal dystonia, or abnormal movement, produced by the part of the brain controlling movement.
The cause of essential blepharospasm is almost never a psychiatric disease. The cause of hemifacial spasm is thought to be an abnormality in the nerve to the facial muscles, which causes the face to twitch. Risk Factors Essential blepharospasm usually occurs more commonly in females and at a later age. Tests and Diagnosis These conditions are distinguished by a careful clinical examination.
Treatment and Drugs Eyelid Twitch Minor eyelid twitches require no treatment as they usually resolve spontaneously. Reducing stress, using warm soaks, correction of any refractive error, and lubrication of the eye with artificial tears may help.
Some ophthalmologists recommend reducing caffeine usage. Blepharospasm Blepharospasm can be treated with medications, biofeedback, injection of botulinum toxin, and surgery. Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
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