When to Know if Eyelid Twitch is Serious

Eyelid twitching is very common and, in the vast majority of cases, is nothing to worry about. However, there are some rare occasions when a twitching eyelid can be a symptom of something more serious. 

Twitches are classified into different groups, most of which don’t require treatment. 

Eyelid Twitching: When to Seek Medical Help

• The different types of eyelid twitches
• When to know if eyelid twitch is serious: Reasons to see your eye doctor

The different types of eyelid twitches

• Fasciculations: This is the most common type of eye twitching and is caused by tiny, very fast spasms in the muscles around the eye. Although you can feel them, they’re so small that others can’t see them and you’re unlikely to either, even if you look in the mirror.
• Myokymia: These much slower muscle spasms that usually occur in just the lower eyelid (or, occasionally, other close-by facial muscles). They’re visible to others—or in the mirror—and are slow and rhythmic.
• Blepharospasm: Affects only the eyelids and can be strong enough to make the eye stay open (or blink). Incidences might be very short-lived or can go on for as long as an hour or so.
• Hemifacial spasm: Occurs on only one side at a time. Usually affects both the eye and some facial muscles.
• Nystagmus: Affects only the eyes, which might move up and down, side to side, or in a circular motion. The movements are usually quite rhythmic. It can also be accompanied by eyelid nystagmus, although this only tends to be when the eyes are moving in the vertical plane.

When to know if eyelid twitch is serious: Reasons to see your eye doctor

Most eyelid twitches have benign causes, such as stress, excessive caffeine, lack of sleep, or eye strain. More serious reasons for any of the types of eyelid twitches include:

• Viral infections.
• Certain medications (those used for Parkinson’s disease, in particular).
• An overactive thyroid gland.
• Autoimmune conditions.
• Nervous system conditions.
• Seizures and epilepsy.
• Brain lesions and tumors.
• Middle ear infections.

Eyelid twitching can be unpredictable and the reasons for it are still not fully understood. However, the following would be reasons to make an appointment with your eye doctor for further assessment.

• The twitching is affecting your vision.
• It begins to interfere with day-to-day life.
• If the twitching goes on for longer than a couple of weeks.
• The twitching starts after you’ve been prescribed a new medication.
• You have a twitch in more than one place (in both eyes or one eye and a different area on the face, for example).
• The eye and facial area also feel stiff and/or weak.

Most eye twitches are self-limiting and can be improved by lifestyle changes. These include getting enough sleep, cutting down on stimulants (such as caffeine), taking steps to reduce stress and anxiety, quitting any nicotine products, and eating a healthy diet.

You can also discuss any eye twitching concerns with your eye doctor at your next regular checkup.

From Eyelid Twitching to Cataract Surgery, Contact Us Today for the Ultimate Eye Care

The Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic is the cataract-specific arm of the West Boca Eye Center. Our talented clinical team is led by Brent Bellotte M.D., a world-leading surgeon in the field of cataracts and laser vision correction.

Whether you’re worried that your eye twitching might be a sign of something more serious, need a cataract operation, or simply want to partner with a leading ophthalmology facility that can address pretty much every element of eye care, we’d love to hear from you.

Visit https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com for more information.