What is eyelid twitching?
It's common for your eyelid to twitch now and then. It might be annoying, but it usually isn't harmful. It can happen when you're stressed or very tired. Sometimes bright lights can cause the twitching. It usually goes away on its own.
But sometimes the twitching lasts for a longer time. If this happens, your doctor will check to see if it is caused by another problem, such as dry eyes or inflamed eyelids. Eyelid twitching caused by a serious health problem is rare.
What are the symptoms of eyelid twitching?
Your eyelids may twitch, or spasm, usually for a short time. You also may blink a lot.
How is eyelid twitching treated?
If the eyelid twitching is new, your doctor may have you wait to see if it goes away on its own. Getting plenty of sleep or finding ways to relieve stress may help.
You may get treatment for dry eyes or inflamed eyelids, if that's causing the twitching.
If the twitching doesn't go away, your doctor may check for other problems. If the twitching bothers you, your doctor may give you shots with botulinum toxin (Botox). This may help stop the eyelids from twitching. For more serious problems, your doctor may recommend surgery. But this is rare.
How can you care for an eyelid twitch?
- Get more sleep, which can help relieve eyelid twitches.
- Drink less caffeine. It can cause muscle spasms in your eyes.
- Use eyedrops to keep your eyes moist.
Eyelid twitch: When to call
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- The twitching in your eyelid lasts longer than 1 week.
- You begin to have twitches in other parts of your face.
- You have redness or swelling of your eye.
- You have fluid leaking from your eye.
- Your eyelid closes completely.
- You do not get better as expected.
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