Why Does My Eye Twitch?

Have you ever experienced that annoying fluttering sensation in your eyelid that seems to come out of nowhere and won’t go away? That’s called myokymia, and it’s more common than you might think. Let’s break down what’s really happening, what causes it, and how you can find relief.

What Is Myokymia?

Myokymia is the medical term for involuntary, repetitive muscle spasms, most often affecting the lower eyelid, though the upper lid can twitch too. These twitches are usually harmless, temporary, and not related to any serious underlying health issue. They can come and go throughout the day or last for several days at a time.

What Causes Eyelid Twitching?

Several factors can trigger or worsen myokymia, including:

Stress – One of the most common culprits. Even mild emotional or physical stress can irritate the small muscles around the eye.
Fatigue/Lack of sleep – Your eyes need rest too! Being overtired makes twitching more likely.
Caffeine intake – Too much coffee, tea, or energy drinks can overstimulate your nervous system.
Eye strain – Staring at screens for hours without breaks puts extra stress on your eye muscles.
Dry eyes – Common in people who use digital devices a lot, wear contact lenses, or are over age 40.
Allergies – Allergic reactions can cause the eyelids to swell or itch, leading to spasms.

While these twitches are typically benign, if you’re experiencing twitching in other areas of your face or body, or the spasms persist for several weeks, it’s a good idea to get checked out by your eye doctor.

What Can You Do About It?

The good news? Most eyelid twitching goes away on its own. But here are a few steps you can take to speed up the process and prevent future episodes:

Manage stress – Easier said than done, we know. But even small changes like deep breathing, meditation, or a walk outside can help reduce stress levels.

Get enough sleep – Aim for 7–8 hours per night to allow your body, and your eyes, to recharge.

Cut back on caffeine – Try replacing that extra cup of coffee with water or herbal tea.

Use artificial tears – Lubricating eye drops can help soothe dry, irritated eyes.

Take screen breaks – Use the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Cold compresses – Applying a cool, damp washcloth to your closed eyelids can help calm the muscle spasms.

Drinking tonic water – While there is no peer reviewed evidence, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that the quinine in tonic water can help with the spasms

When to See an Eye Doctor

While myokymia is usually harmless, consult your eye doctor if:

The twitching lasts more than a few weeks
It affects other areas of your face
Your eyelid closes completely during the twitch
Your eye is red, swollen, or has discharge
You experience vision changes

If your eyes are twitching or just don’t feel right, schedule an appointment with our team. We’ll make sure there’s nothing more serious going on and help you find some much-needed relief.

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