Why Does My Eyelid Twitch?

Eyelid twitching is extremely common and really annoying. If you’re reading this, likely you’ve experienced it. According to Stephen H. Uretsky, MD of the Coastal Jersey Eye Center, “…99% of the time the twitching is nothing serious and goes away in a few days.”
Eyelid twitching, or in medical jargon “ocular myokymia”, affects almost everyone at some time in their lives. The most common causes are stress, fatigue and excessive caffeine. Eyestrain in combination with a change in glasses and the Dry Eye Syndrome are other common causes. Smoking and allergies have also been implicated.
“In my experience, stress and fatigue are the main culprits,” states Dr. Uretsky. “I tell my patients to get more rest, drink less caffeinated beverages and consider stress reducing measures like getting more exercise, etc.”
What about the more serious eyelid movement disorder called blepharospasm? Instead of the worm-like movements of the eyelid visible in myokymia, the lids contract involuntarily and the eye closes. These movements occur repeatedly and do not resolve spontaneously in a few days. Sometimes there are other involuntary facial movements also. A physician should be consulted. Treatment with Botox is very successful.
Stephen H. Uretsky, MD of the Coastal Jersey Eye Center is a leading board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in comprehensive eye care. The Coastal Jersey Eye Center has offices in Linwood and Cape May Court House. To make an appointment, call (609) 927-3373 in Linwood or (609) 465-7926 in Cape May Court House or visit us online at ww.coastaljerseyeye.com.