Why does lower eyelid twitch

The doctor will examine your eyes and consult with you to determine a course of resolve. This article was reviewed by Dr.

Jennifer Tsai, OD. Tsai practices In New York City. Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Members Members. Eyewear and Wellness. Ask an Eye Doctor. Why is My Eye Twitching? Causes of Eye Twitching Most people will develop some type of minor eyelid twitch in their lifetime, as there are a variety of external factors that can account for twitching eyes.

They're often linked to: stress and anxiety tiredness and exhaustion drinking caffeine or alcohol some medicines — check the side effects on the packet or leaflet Twitches can affect any part of the body. You may also have tingling or cramps spasms in the same area. How you can help stop a twitch A twitch may come and go, but will normally stop in a few days or weeks. But there are some things you can do to help. Symptoms Twitching or spasm around the eyes Facial spasms The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have eyelid spasms.

Causes The cause of minor eyelid twitch is unknown. The essential blepharospasm is a focal dystonia, or abnormal movement, produced by the part of the brain controlling movement. The cause of essential blepharospasm is almost never a psychiatric disease.

The cause of hemifacial spasm is thought to be an abnormality in the nerve to the facial muscles, which causes the face to twitch. Risk Factors Essential blepharospasm usually occurs more commonly in females and at a later age. Tests and Diagnosis These conditions are distinguished by a careful clinical examination.

Treatment and Drugs Eyelid Twitch Minor eyelid twitches require no treatment as they usually resolve spontaneously. Reducing stress, using warm soaks, correction of any refractive error, and lubrication of the eye with artificial tears may help. Learn more about eyelid twitching here.

Essential blepharospasm causes the eyelids to close spontaneously. This can look similar to blinking or winking, but the eyelids may close for a more extended period in some cases. Blepharospasm may last a few seconds to a few hours , and some people may not be able to see during that time. Doctors think that a problem with the nerves around the eyes causes essential blepharospasm but are unsure why it develops. Hemifacial spasm is a rare condition that causes the muscles on one side of the face to contract.

Sometimes , this begins near the eye, causing eyelid spasms before affecting other areas of the face. Hemifacial spasm can occur on its own, due to something pressing on the nerves that control the facial muscles, or as a result of another condition. Eyelid myokymia often stops on its own. However, if a person wants to stop or reduce this symptom, they can try:. More severe or persistent eyelid spasms, such as blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm, may require medical treatment.

Scientists are not exactly sure what causes eyelid myokymia. It is a widespread condition that can occur in healthy individuals for no apparent reason. It appears to be linked to lifestyle factors, such as:. The side effects of some medications, including topiramate , flunarizine, and clozapine, can also cause eyelid twitching. However, this is uncommon. A study from Taiwan on chronic eyelid twitching found that around half of the participants had differences in nerve function.