Why Does Our Eye Twitch?

What is eyelid twitching?

Eyelid twitching, known in medicine as "myokymia," is the involuntary contraction of the thin muscles in the eyelid. These contractions usually last a few seconds or minutes, and sometimes continue on and off throughout the day. Because these muscles are very small and delicate, when they work too much they tire and begin to tremble. Even though it may not be noticeable from the outside, it can be very uncomfortable for the person experiencing it. Most of the time it is harmless and goes away on its own. However, sometimes it lasts a long time and can bother us throughout the day.

Too much coffee, too little sleep, plenty of stress!

One of the most common causes is fatigue and stress. After a sleepless night or following a busy day, you may feel your eyelid "trembling." It can happen especially on days when we spend a lot of time with phone or computer screens, or when we read a great deal. Digital screens emit pixels. These stimuli tire the eye, and after a while the tired muscle begins to tremble. In particular, if there are tiny refractive errors but glasses are not used, the eye muscles tire even more. In addition, excessive caffeine consumption (coffee, energy drinks, black tea, cola drinks) can increase twitching by stimulating the nervous system. Put simply, sometimes our eyes want to rest, but if we do not allow it, they begin to tremble and contract involuntarily.

Dry eye and allergy can also be the cause

Dry eye is common, especially in people over the age of 40 or in those who work for long hours at the computer. Dryness can make the nerves on the surface of the eye more sensitive, leading to involuntary contraction of the eyelid muscles. Similarly, allergic eye diseases can trigger twitching. In allergy, the eyes itch and turn red, and constant rubbing stimulates the nerve endings even further.

Magnesium deficiency sometimes goes unnoticed

The magnesium in our body is an important mineral for the healthy functioning of muscles and nerves. When it is deficient, small muscle twitches can appear not only in the eye but also in different parts of the body. This deficiency can become pronounced especially if enough green vegetables, legumes, or whole grains are not taken in through the diet. When magnesium deficiency is accompanied by stress and fatigue, more eyelid twitching is seen compared with people without it. For this reason, magnesium deficiency may be considered in long-lasting twitches.

When should it be taken seriously?

Eyelid twitching is usually innocent, but in the following situations it is necessary to see an eye doctor: if the twitching lasts for weeks; if contractions or numbness on one side of the face also accompany it; if there is difficulty closing or opening the eyelid; or if other complaints such as decreased vision or sensitivity to light have appeared.

In such situations, although rarely, neurological diseases related to the nervous system (for example, hemifacial spasm or blepharospasm) may be involved. For this reason, long-lasting or one-sided contractions must always be evaluated. In cases of spasm, botox is helpful.

What can we do?

Get enough sleep (7–8 hours a day). Reduce caffeine intake, especially after the evening hours. If you look at a screen for a long time, look away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Do not rub your eyes; if needed, use moisturizing artificial-tear drops. Try to stay away from stress and to relax with relaxation exercises and short walks. Even if your glasses prescription is small, wear your glasses for visual tasks. If long-lasting twitches are bothering you, take a magnesium supplement.

Eyelid twitching is most of the time "a small alarm from the body." Our eye gives us the message: "rest, take care of your health, take a short break, and sleep enough." If it does not last long, it is not something to fear. But if it continues for days or weeks, an eye doctor's examination can easily reveal whether it is a simple problem or a condition that requires treatment.