What Does it Mean When Your Eye Twitches

Eye twitching is the condition, which refers to the involuntary movement or muscle spasms of the eyelid. Sometimes, this can cause repetitive and rhythmic movement and contractions of the muscles of the eyelid, which can cause the eyelid to close at times. Such involuntary muscle contractions can be caused by several factors. It is associated with several myths and superstitions. Many believe that eye blinking is lucky, while others think quite the opposite.

Many people also believe that twitching the right eye is a sign of good luck, while twitching the left eye is the sign of bad luck. Many times, the twitching of a particular eye can have different meanings based on the gender. For example, twitching the left eye is considered good for women, but bad for men, while twitching the right eye is bad for women, but good for men. But in reality, it is related to certain medical conditions.

Causes of Eye Twitching

Though many superstitions have been associated with eye twitching, it is actually a type of blinking disorder, which is also termed as blepharospasm. It can be of various types, some minor, while others can be a bit more serious. People generally experience the 'benign essential blepharospasm', that is usually a harmless condition. However, the exact causes of this condition are not known. But, certain factors have been observed to be more commonly associated with this type of eye twitching. As for example, sometimes, stress, excessive fatigue and not getting enough sleep can act as the triggering factors.

Many times, eye strain or vision related stress can also cause this problem continuously for a considerable period of time. If it is persistent in nature, then one should get his or her eyes properly checked, as this can be associated with vision problems. Apart from these, factors like, excessive intake of alcohol and caffeine, allergies and nutritional deficiency, especially deficiency of magnesium may have an association with eye twitching. Another condition that can cause the eyelid to twitch is dry eye syndrome. Severe eye blinking disorder can be experienced by individuals with the condition known as Tourette's Syndrome, and those with neurological disorders of basal ganglia.

Eye Twitching Treatment

Usually, it resolves on its own, without requiring any medical intervention. In the meantime, you can reduce the discomfort by using a warm compress on the eye, or massaging it gently. Even washing the eyes can help to provide relief, if it is caused by allergies. It can also help to refresh the tired and strained eye muscles. For allergies, you can also use the antihistamine eye drops and oral medications. However, keep in mind that overuse of antihistamines can cause dry eyes at times. For eye twitching, caused by dry eyes syndrome, artificial tears may be of some help.

Identification of the triggering factors and avoiding them in the future can play a very important role in the treatment. If stress, fatigue, tiredness, and eye strain are the factors responsible for causing eye twitching, then give your eyes some rest. Similarly, eye twitching associated with vision problems would resolve with vision corrections. If eye twitching or blinking disorder is of serious in nature, then medical intervention would be required. Usually, the condition is treated with certain medications and botox injections. Botox injection is the most common treatment option and it can help to relax the eye muscles to alleviate the involuntary twitching. The effect of botox injections can however, disappear within a few months, after which it has to be repeated.

If botox injections and other treatment options fail to alleviate the condition, then physicians may opt for surgery to remove the nerve responsible for causing eye twitching. Sometimes, the physicians also recommend the removal of the spastic muscles. So, the treatment basically depends on the severity of the condition. Therefore, if it lasts for several days, then it is better to seek medical attention.