Eyelid Spasms

The term 'spasm' means involuntary contraction of the muscles. In other words, this muscular contraction is not controlled by the body and occurs on its own. Eyelid spasms, also known as eyelid twitching too, can occur as eyelids also have muscles. Most cases of eyelid twitches are not bothersome as the uncontrolled movement occurs only for a short while. Although, this eye problem is not a cause of concern, it can be annoying, as it happens spontaneously and may last for a minute or two.

Types
Depending upon the intensity of muscle contraction of eyelids, eyelid spasms (eyelid tics) are classified into three main types. They are explained below:

Eyelid Twitching: In case there is mild spasm of one or both the eyelids, that lasts for a few seconds, it is referred as an eyelid twitch.

Essential Blepharospasm: This is a severe form of uncontrolled muscle contraction in which the eyelids shut down temporarily. This condition generally occurs to one eyelid and may also affect the muscles of the neck and the mouth.

Hemifacial Spasm: People with hemifacial spasm not only suffer from eyelid spasms but also have involuntary muscle contractions on one side of the face. This additional muscle spasm on the face results when the nerve that controls facial muscles is subjected to undue pressure.

Causes

Fatigue: Activities that cause too much exertion can also cause twitching of eyelids. The intensity of eye spasms increases with extreme fatigue. Exercising for prolonged periods of time can make a person extremely tired, which may cause this eye problem.

Stress: In today's stress ridden lifestyle, people commonly experience involuntarily contraction of muscles of the eyelids. Stress often magnifies when facing difficult situations. The body can react to a stressful situation in the form of eyelid spasms. A person put under tremendous pressure is bound to experience upper eyelid tics.

Eyestrain: Today, eyestrain has become pretty common, thanks to the widespread use of computers. Whether it is a desktop or a laptop, gazing at the monitor screen for long periods of time can affect the eye and manifest in the form of eyelid tics.

Emotional Upset: A failed personal relationship or an unhealthy relationship can cause emotional pain, grief and sadness. When a relationship ends, many are unable to cope with the emotional instability associated with it. This kind of emotional stress can also lead to spasmodic activity of eyelids

Caffeine: Certain beverages are notorious for causing this eye problem. People who have a habit of drinking too much coffee everyday are likely to experience eyelid twitching.

Alcohol: Experts believe that too much alcohol consumption can produce these involuntarily contraction of muscles in the eyelids.

Dry Eyes: People who spend their entire day focusing on the computer screen, without taking occasional breaks are bound to suffer from dry eyes. As we all know, the eyes are lubricated at regular intervals by the tears that are produced using special glands located near the eyes. However, when there is insufficient tear production, it causes lack of lubrication to the eyes, which leads to dry eyes. Dry eye syndrome can cause irritation which may trigger eyelid tics.

Treatment

Relaxation Techniques: As aforementioned, eyelid tics is an indication of the fact, that the person is getting stressed. In such circumstances, following relaxation techniques can certainly help to get rid of stress. This in turn will help to stop eyelid spasms immediately. Deep breathing is one proven relaxation method to ease stress. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga everyday for a stipulated period, is the best way to manage day-to-day stress effectively.

Beverages: Keep a check on caffeine or alcohol intake. Taking these beverages in moderate amounts is the key to stop these eyelid twitches.

Eye Drops: For dry eyes, use of appropriate eye drops to moisturize the eyes, can help to relieve eyelid spasm.

Certain precautions such as avoiding long periods of focusing at the computer screen, can go a long way in stopping and even preventing the occurrence of eyelid spasms. On the other hand, blepharospasm as well as hemifacial spasm are usually treated with botulinum injections to reduce the intensity and time period of eyelid spasm.