Photo Credit: https://coach.nine.com.au/2017/11/03/11/31/eye-twitching
Actually, I had it since a few days now that is why I was confused and a bit petrified about what might be the cause of this and what possible illness it represents, I mean whether it is an indication of a particular disease or what. I am glad to know that luckily almost all eyelid twitching is benign, meaning the condition is not something serious or a sign of a medical problem.
Eyelid Twitching or Blepharospasm is an involuntary eyelid spasm which is quite uncomfortable. Although it doesn’t go with pain it is really annoying.
An eyelid twitch (or tic) is when your eyelid quickly moves a little. This movement does not affect your vision. Eyelid twitches are common, and often caused by stress and being tired.
Most eyelid twitches are minor and go away without treatment. You can often get rid of eyelid twitching by getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and limiting your caffeine. - https://www.aao.org
At first, I was really puzzled it might be some kind of symptoms or early warning for heart attack or stroke, in fact, I remember I asked my doctor about it though indirectly and she mentioned that I should be alarmed about it. Oh well, that made me more nervous.
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It’s the reason why when I went back to the hospital for my regular check-up I didn’t mention about it to my new doctor anymore, I was a bit anxious she might tell me something daunting about my health.
So what I did is I tried to research about it and I was glad it doesn’t indicate something serious. I even read about some superstitious belief that when the twitching occurs in your right eye it means good luck LOL.
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Nevertheless, I am a bit happy with that because I experienced the spasm in my right eye, the problem is it transferred now to my left eyelid haha. Although I really don't believe in that superstition. I don't see any relevance.
Anyway, as to what I learned from my research, eyelid twitching will vanish in a few days without medication. Although it could also stay up to 3 weeks or even months. I just hope mine will be gone at the soonest.
WHY IS MY EYE TWITCHING?
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COMMON CAUSES
I was delighted that base on my research eyelid twitching seems normal and is indeed caused by factors not related to any disease. The most common causes of eyelid spasm are the following:
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Alcohol
- Dry eyes
- Overuse of computers, tablets or smartphones
- And excessive intake of caffeine
STRESS
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Stress and fatigue are realities in life. Like when you are working with deadlines and pressures or even by simply living in a strange place away from your loved ones, I’m sure you will feel stressed all the times. And that made you not having a good night sleep or has fewer hours sleep at night.
Among the many ways to reduce the stress that may cause eye twitching is spending time with friends or even pets, yoga or breathing exercises and as simple as chewing gums, lighting a candle and laughing are among the many ways to reduce the stress that may be causing the twitch.
DRINK LESS CAFFEINE
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As we all know caffeine may be acquired from drinking glasses of coffee every day, and that includes cola and even tea or chocolates. So if you are experiencing eyelid twitching and you would want to get rid of it, one best thing to do is to cut your caffeine intake.
Eye twitching also called “myokymia” in doctor lingo normally involve the lower eyelid of one eye, but what I experienced seems an exemption. What is involved is my upper eyelid and the spasms keep transferring from my left eye to the other.
COMPUTER EYE STRAIN
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I learn something important from this. And I think this is the main reason why I experienced or suffering if I may say from eyelid twitching.
Obviously, since I work about 10 hours a day and most of those hours were spent in front of my computer, which alone could somehow cause eyelid twitching. Not to mention another hour of using my smartphone when I reach home until I fall asleep.
REMEDY
Photo Credit: http://www.nceyes.org/digital-eye-strain
Are you familiar with “20-20-20 rule”? This is the best thing to do when using digital devices to get away from eye strain which may cause eye twitching. I think this is very beneficial, every 20 minutes we need to keep our eyes away from our computer/devices something I really don’t do:
❶ Look away from your screen every 20 minutes
❷ Focus on an object at least 20 feet away
❸ Allow your eyes to focus on that object for 20 seconds or longer
Doing this 3 regularly may reduce eye muscle fatigue so I think I need to start doing this exercises to keep away from eye trouble.
FATIGUE
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Whether due to stress or some other reasons, a lack of sleep can trigger an eyelid twitching. And yes I am guilty of this so maybe it’s one of the reasons why I had eyelid twitching lately. And obviously catching up on your sleep can help.
OTHER CAUSES
Some studies suggest that nutritional imbalances such as lack of magnesium may trigger eyelid twitching. But those other possible causes mentioned above are more probable.
Another possible cause of eyelid spasm is allergies. Normally people with eye allergies can have itching so when eyes are rubbed, this releases histamine and studies shows that histamine can cause eyelid twitching. So, in this case, some doctors will prescribe anti-histamine eye drops.
Photo Credit: https://www.visionexpress.ph
The last possible cause of eyelid twitching which I consider applicable in my case is that eye strain caused by changing of glasses. Previously I changed my old defective glasses and this time the doctor recommended another grade so I am using a bit higher grade which caused my eyes to be strained.
So by this information I got, I could do something to get rid of eyelid twitching and hopefully the annoying spasm will be gone forever.
Please watch the video below to know more about causes and cure of Eyelid Twitching:
Video Credit: SouthwesternEye via www.youtube.com
Hope you learn something from this post, for the meantime, you may participate in the Querlo survey chat below:
By: TRB - A father of 5, an Overseas Filipino Worker and willing to be part of the worldwide campaign against poverty, climate change, and inequality.
