A: Sometimes my eyelid twitches on and off. It's annoying and distracts. How do I stop it? Should I be worried?
Eyelid spasms are not usually a sign of a serious problem, according to an orthodontist at Cleveland Clinic.
The most common type of eye twitch is a series of muscle contractions called eyelid myokymia, which causes intermittent and uncontrollable eyelid movements.
Only one eye is affected at a time because the twitch is in the muscle surrounding the eye and not the nerve that controls the blink.
The spasms can last a long time.
If the twitching persists for a long period of time, or is accompanied by additional symptoms, it is a good idea to be checked by an eye doctor.
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If the twitching spreads to other muscles in the face or if you notice both eyes twitching at the same time, those are signs of a more serious problem. A red eye is one of the red flags.
It is usually a harmless case of eyelid myokymia if one eyelid is twitching on and off.
Dr. Alice Lorch said that nobody knows why it happens.
Sometimes it is caused by a small irritation, for example a contact lens rubbing against the eyelid.
Stress, lack of sleep, and excessive caffeine intake are some of the causes of eyelid twitching. Dry eye is a common problem among those who stare at screens most of the day. Studies show that we blink less when we look at digital devices.
There is no quick fix for an eyelid twitch. Artificial tears and eyedrops can lubricate the eye. It's best to choose ones that are free of chemical preservatives. She said that you could try massaging your eyes in the shower or covering your eyes with a warm cloth before bed to help relax your eye muscles. This increases oil flow into the eyes.
Reducing stress and getting more rest are some preventive measures.
Dr. Raj Maturi is a spokesman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
If you reduce your intake of caffeine, you can prevent eye twitching. Dr. Lorch said that having one or two cups of coffee a day should be fine.
It is important to stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet that includes foods high in magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
Tonic water has a small amount of quinine, which can be used as a remedy for eyelid twitching. Quinine, a medication approved by the FDA to treat malaria, has also been used off-label to treat nighttime leg cramps, something the F.D.A. says is neither safe nor effective. There is no evidence that tonic water works.
In severe cases, eye doctors will only use a small amount ofotulinumtoxinA to stop the twitching, but it's usually done by injecting a small amount into the orbicularis muscle.
The experts said that eyelid myokymia usually goes away on its own. It is a matter of resting, taking steps to reduce stress, lubricating the eye and waiting it out for most patients.
