Eye twitching, which can sometimes manifest as eyelid twitches, is common among individuals.
It is usually harmless in nature, but since it is involuntary, it can be quite bothersome for a few.
The eye twitches happen due to involuntary spasms in one’s muscles around the eyes and can sometimes be persistent.
A person can experience left or right eye twitching and sometimes in both their eyes as well.
This can happen due to several causes and can refer to an underlying issue in rare cases.
This article will discuss the causes and available treatments for eye twitching.
Why is My Eye Twitching
In most individuals, eye twitching can happen as an involuntary eyelid movement in one or both eyes.
There are several causes of eye twitching, which include headaches, pregnancy, and vitamin deficiencies.
Although most of these causes are not serious, some people may experience persistent eye twitches.
These persistent eye twitching can happen due to Stroke in severe cases.
Let us discuss these above-mentioned causes of eye twitching in detail.
Eye Twitching and Headache
Eye twitching can often accompany headaches, and sometimes, both can happen for completely different reasons.
According to research, cluster headaches are often accompanied by symptoms of Hemifacial Spasms.
The Hemifacial Spasms cause the muscles on one side of the face to twitch, resulting in muscle twitching under eye.
People who experience headaches due to Migraines often take the medicine Topiramate.
According to a study, this medication produces Eyelid Myokymia or eyelid twitches as a side effect.
Eye Twitching Due to Sleep Deprivation
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) states that sleep deprivation is a common cause of eye twitches.
When a person is overly tired, the eyes have to work harder to focus.
This can cause overstimulation of the eye muscles and cause eye strain, resulting in eye twitching.
When a person uses a digital screen for prolonged periods, it can interrupt their sleep and cause eye strain, leading to twitches.
Eye Twitching Due to Pregnancy
Eye twitching is quite common during one’s pregnancy, and it is usually harmless and temporary.
Pregnancy is a stressful time for any person, and stress can cause eye twitching.
Vitamin deficiencies during pregnancy can also contribute to the twitching eyelids in a person.
Eye Twitching Due to Mineral and Vitamin Deficiency
According to a study, people with a magnesium deficiency experience twitching in their eyes.
The lack of this mineral causes changes in the optic nerves, which causes the eye to twitch.
Some people may also experience eye twitching due to a lack of Vitamin B12.
Eye Twitching Due to Anxiety
Anxiety and stress are both common causes of eye or eyelid twitching in an individual.
This happens because when a person is anxious or stressed, it can cause the muscles of the eyes to become tense.
This tension around the eye muscles and nerves can cause the eyes to twitch.
Eye Twitching Due to Dry Eyes
When a person experiences dry eyes, they can often face eye twitching.
During dry eyes, the tear content of the eyes is less, which makes the eyes blink more to reduce the tear film break-up.
Excessive blinking can overwork the eye muscles and also cause eye strain, causing eye twitches.
Is Eye Twitching a Sign of Stroke
No, eye twitching does not necessarily mean that it is a sign of Stroke under all circumstances.
However, some individuals may experience secondary Hemifacial Spasms due to Stroke.
This spasm can cause one side of the face to twitch, also affecting the eye muscles.
If a person is experiencing persistent eye twitching along with severe headaches and speech problems, it can be a sign of Stroke.
Are you curious to learn more about Stroke-related eye twitches? Read Is Eye Twitching a Sign of Stroke? Decoding the Mystery.
How to Stop Eye Twitching
The treatments for eye twitching always depend on the causes of the condition.
Individuals can opt for lifestyle modifications, natural remedies, medicines, and surgical procedures to address the underlying cause of this condition.
In some cases, using eye exercises can also prove to be beneficial.
Natural Eye Twitching Remedy
Individuals experiencing eye twitches due to stress can practice stress management methods like meditation and yoga.
Getting proper sleep, reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, and smoking can also be beneficial.
People can also practice the 20-20-20 method and palming to reduce eye strain and treat eye twitches.
Using supplements of calcium, potassium, and magnesium can reduce eye twitches due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
If you want to know more about the remedies for eye twitching, read Understanding Effective Eye Twitching Remedy.
Medicines and Surgical Procedures
Doctors may often suggest lubricating eye drops for people who experience eye twitches due to eye strain and dry eyes.
Sometimes, they may also prescribe Botulinum toxin (Botox injections) for eye twitching.
However, in rare and severe cases, a person might require surgery to remove the muscle that is causing the spasm.
Conclusion
Eye twitching can be bothersome, and knowing its causes is important if you need proper treatment.
A person can experience eye twitches due to headaches, sleep deprivation, eye strain, dry eyes, pregnancy, stress, and Anxiety.
Some people may also experience eye twitching due to Stroke, which can be accompanied by speech problems.
People can try eye exercises and use supplements of vitamins and minerals, the deficiency of which causes eye twitching.
Your doctor may suggest artificial tears, Botox injections, and even surgeries in some cases.
However, it is always best to consult a doctor if you are concerned about your eye twitching.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do eye twitches last?
Eye twitches usually last for a few seconds to a couple of minutes when it occurs. However, in severe cases like a Stroke, some people may experience eye twitching for weeks and even months.
When to worry about eye twitching?
If you are experiencing eye twitching for more than a week, and if it is accompanied by closing of the eyelids, headaches, and trouble speaking, it can be serious. It is best to consult your doctor immediately in these cases.
Can you prevent eye twitching?
No, you cannot prevent eye twitching, but you can reduce its frequency. You can try getting adequate sleep and reducing your screen time to reduce eye twitches.
Are there specific triggers for eye twitching?
Yes, there are several triggers for eye twitching. These triggers include stress, Anxiety, fatigue, excessive caffeine intake, and eye strain due to prolonged screen timings.
Can the muscles twitching under eyes cause eye twitches?
Yes, the muscles twitching under the eyes or the spasms can cause eye twitches. This happens because these muscles are close to the eye muscles and are also connected to each other.
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