Why does my eye sometimes twitch?

A twitching eye or myokymia is an involuntary twitching of the eyelids, which can be temporary or long-term. Usually this phenomenon is harmless, but in some cases it causes concern. We at joy-pup tell you why this problem occurs and how to deal with it.

Main reasons for eye twitching

There are several reasons why one eye twitches.

Stress and fatigue

Stressful situations and lack of sleep negatively affect the nervous system, causing muscle spasms, including those around the eyes.

Eye strain

Prolonged use of computers, smartphones, or reading in poor lighting can lead to fatigue of the eye muscles, which causes them to twitch.

Caffeine and Alcohol

Drinking too much coffee, energy drinks, or alcohol can stimulate the nervous system, causing involuntary muscle contractions.

Dry Eyes

Long-term screen time, contact lens use, or aging can cause dry eyes, which can cause irritation and twitching of the eyelids.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

A deficiency in magnesium, potassium, or B vitamins can affect the nervous system, causing muscle spasms.

Allergies

Allergic reactions can cause itching and tearing, which can cause people to rub their eyes more often, which irritates the muscles and nerves of the eyelids.

When should eye twitching be a cause for concern?

Although myokymia is usually harmless, there are situations that require a medical examination and referral to a specialist:

• twitching lasts more than two weeks;
• spasms are accompanied by drooping of the eyelid;
• changes in vision or redness of the eye are observed;
• twitching affects other parts of the face.

How to Help Yourself and Stop Eye Twitching

If you have one eye twitching, it can be uncomfortable. To help yourself, you can use the following tips:

• keep a sleep schedule, make time for rest, practice relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises or meditation;
• cut down on caffeine and alcohol to reduce the strain on the nervous system;
• use moisturizing eye drops, especially if you work at a computer or wear contact lenses;
• make sure your diet is sufficient in magnesium, potassium and B vitamins; if you are deficient, you can take vitamin complexes after consulting a doctor;
• take a break for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, looking at an object 20 feet away (about 6 meters).

Eye twitching is a common occurrence that usually does not pose a health threat. In most cases, lifestyle adjustments are enough to stop twitching.

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