Eye Twitching Symptoms

Introduction:

An involuntary and continuous movement along the eye muscles is called eye twitching, referred to as myokymia in medical terminology by doctors. While twitching eye muscles is common in many people, it usually goes away on its own, and the problem is not considered serious. Sometimes, the condition may have a hereditary origin. 

Types of eye twitching

The commonly observed condition of eye twitching in people may be categorised into two different types:

• Eyelid twitching/myokymia: Occasional eye twitching that is mild and occurs mostly in the eyelid muscles is known as eyelid myokymia. Most patients do not require any kind of treatment for it. 
• Benign essential blepharospasm: Prolonged involuntary contractions of the eyelids that cause the eyelids to close are referred to as Benign essential blepharospasm.

Symptoms of eye twitching

The following symptoms are experienced by people:

• Involuntary movement of one of the eyelids that may last for a few seconds or minutes that may occur several times during the week.
• Sometimes the twitching may be experienced in facial muscles on the same side as eyelid twitching.

Causes of eye twitching

The exact cause of eye twitching is not yet known to the doctors; however, it is believed to be because of the malfunctioning of certain cells in the basal ganglia part of the nervous system. Various factors that may trigger eye twitching are: 

• Stress
• Eye strain
• Dryness of eyes
• Irritation of the inner surface of eyelids
• Insufficient sleep
• Some medicines
• Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption
• Air pollution and wind

In rare conditions, there are chances that the eyelid twitching may further progress to facial twitching, and the reason may be conditions such as multiple sclerosis (a condition in which the nervous system is mistakenly attacked by the immune system).

When to see a doctor?

Mild eye twitching just involves eye muscle movements and will not be harmful. However, if eye twitching lasts for several weeks and is experiencing difficulty in opening the eyelid, then it is necessary to see a doctor. To book an appointment, contact Yashoda Hospitals, India https://www.yashodahospitals.com.  

The chances of eye twitching may increase in some people with high-risk behaviour or certain habits. These include:

• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Caffeine intake

The symptoms of eye twitching go away on their own, and medical treatment is not required. Getting complete and adequate sleep and staying away from smoking, alcohol, and caffeine consumption may provide some relief for people experiencing this condition. The treatment suggested by doctors is botulinum toxin injection in the skin around the eyes. The botulinum toxin weakens the muscles underneath the skin and provides relaxation to the muscles. The injection usually provides relief from spasms for about three months. In extremely rare cases, surgery may be suggested by doctors. For the best treatment options for eye twitching problems, an appointment with expert medical professionals may be booked.

Involuntary, fine movements of eye muscles that last for hours, minutes or hours and may occur several times in a day are called eye twitching. Most of the time, it goes away without medication. However, sometimes it may progress, and the opening of the eyelid is affected. If anybody has been experiencing this problem for several weeks or it has progressed to facial twitching, a doctor must be consulted for proper diagnosis and treatment.