Common Causes of Eye Twitching

Understanding Eye Twitching: Causes and Management

Eye blinking or twitching is a common issue, and for many people, it's just a passing and minor annoyance. Usually, it means you need to relax, cut back on caffeine, and get more sleep. However, it could be more serious if it begins to interfere with your regular activities or affect your vision. Fortunately, there are some simple ways you can take to fix it.

Keep reading to get a detailed look at the common causes of right or left eye twitching and effective ways to manage it.

What is Eye Twitching?

An eye twitching is an abnormal and involuntary blinking of the eyelid. It may happen several times every day which can also affect your vision in case it is severe. Most eyelid twitches are painless, harmless, and go away on their own without requiring any medical treatment. 

However, eyelid spasms can be a sign of an early movement disorder in rare cases, especially if they happen with other facial tics or involuntary movements. In addition, left-eye twitching is common, especially when people are tired or have had too much caffeine. 

Frequent eyelid twitching is rare. Anyone can have eyelid twitches, which are more common among middle-aged and older women.

Causes of Eye Twitching

Several factors that irritate the eye, such as infections, inflammation, or dirty contact lenses, can cause eye blinking. Some of the causes of eye twitching are explained below:

●   Fasciculations

Fasciculations are usually harmless and can occur due to several reasons, such as stimulants like alcohol and caffeine, Benign Fasciculation Syndrome (BFS), an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), excessive physical activity (overexertion), and viral infections that affect nerves and can even cause temporary spasms.

In rare cases, fasciculations can signal more serious neurological conditions, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

●   Ocular Myokymia

Myokymia is an extremely common type of eyelid twitching. It is usually the result of numerous factors adding up, particularly the common ones, such as consuming too much caffeine, stress, lack of sleep, etc. 

●   Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm has two types: primary and secondary. Primary generally happens on its own, without another condition causing it. While secondary occurs due to different issues. 

Additionally, the most common primary type is Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEB). Experts know it is a nerve-related issue but don't fully understand it. BEB usually causes dry eyes and light sensitivity.

Secondary Blepharospasm can be caused by Meige Syndrome, Dystonia, Wilson's disease, Parkison's disease, Tardive dyskinesia, or Seizures and epilepsy (rare).

●   Hemifacial Spasm

This type of twitching can affect the nerves and brain on both or one side of your face. It is usually uncontrollable and unpredictable. It even has primary and secondary forms like Blepharospasm. 

The primary form generally occurs when facial blood vessels press on a nerve causing it to send signals to muscles while leading to spasms and twitches.

Moreover, Hemifacial spasms can also happen as a secondary effect of more serious conditions, such as Dystonia, Bell's palsy, brain tumours, brainstem lesions, tumours on parotid glands, and middle ear infections or related infections. 

●   Nystagmus

Nystagmus is an uncontrollable oscillation (back and forth) movement of your eyes. Some types of Nystagmus are normal and only happen as your eye tracks movement.

Other forms are generally triggered by different factors, such as tiredness, alcohol, and caffeine, especially when intoxicated. Nystagmus can even signal certain diseases. So, if your eye specialist suspects this, they may refer you to a neurologist for further evaluation. 

Rare Causes of Eyelid Twitching

Several uncommon causes of right or left eye blinking can sometimes be interlinked with serious issues with the brain or nervous system, such as:

• Parkinson's disease
• Brain damage from stroke or inflammation, particularly affecting the thalamus, brain stem, or basal ganglia
• Reaction to certain mental health medications
• Meige syndrome
• Multiple sclerosis
• Hemifacial spasm
• Bell's palsy

Note: These conditions usually come with additional symptoms.

Symptoms of Eye Twitching

Some of the common symptoms people experience in right or left eye twitching are as follows:

●  Usually, the upper eyelid twitches.
●  Both eyes might twitch, but sometimes only one eye is affected.
●  The eyelid may partially close or shut completely.

Additional Symptoms:

●  Eye irritation (often the first sign)
●  Increased blinking
●  Sensitivity to light
●  Dry eyes
●  Vision issues if twitching is frequent
●  Facial spasms

Managing Symptoms:

●   Eye twitches usually stop during sleep or when focusing on a challenging task.
●   Activities such as singing, talking, or touching another part of the body can temporarily relieve twitching.

Common Triggers:

●  Stress
●  Fatigue
●  Bright lights
●  Caffeine
●  Driving
●  Other sources of eye irritation

How to Manage Eye Twitching?

Many triggers for mild eye twitching are related to lifestyle choices, so changing daily habits can help prevent it. Here are some tips explained further that will help you to manage this condition at home:

• A person should go to bed earlier to ensure enough sleep.
• Strictly follow a regular sleep schedule.
• Practice good sleep hygiene, such as keeping their bedroom dark and reducing screen time before sleep.
• Lower their caffeine intake habits.
• Reduce stress by simply cutting back on activities or habits that may cause strain, such as overworking.
• Seek support from a therapist for anxiety or high-stress levels.
• Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol. 

Tracking and Treatment

If right eye blinking for male and right eye twitching for female happens often, it can be helpful to keep a record of when it occurs and any other factors that might be contributing. This can help identify patterns.

However, a doctor can offer other treatments if the twitching is frequent and not related to daily habits. Options may include the following:

●  Addressing Underlying Conditions

Identifying and treating any underlying conditions can also help reduce or control eye twitching.

●  Botox Injections

These temporarily paralyze the affected muscles to stop the right or left eye twitching.

●  Surgical Option

In rare cases, doctors might suggest an eyelid protractor myectomy. This surgery helps to remove the muscles causing the spasms which is helpful for conditions such as Blepharospasm or Hemifacial spasm. 

When to Contact a Doctor Regarding Eye Twitching Issues?

Eye twitching is usually mild and disappears by itself. However, you should contact an eye doctor if you feel the following symptoms:

• Frequent dry eyes
• Eyelids closing on their own
• Twitching in different areas of your face
• Eye blinking that generally lasts more than a few weeks
• Severe twitching that affects your vision
• Any new symptoms that might suggest an underlying issue
• The eye is swollen, red, or has an abnormal discharge.

Right or left eye blinking may happen due to several reasons, but they are usually not something to worry about. In many cases, eyelid twitching is harmless and often resolves on its own. However, it may be the symptom of a serious health condition in some instances, such as Parkison's dystonia or disease.

It is essential to contact a doctor if the twitching is one of several concerning physical symptoms or it continues even after a few days. Hence, treating a serious health condition as soon as possible can prevent it from getting worse.