10 Eye Twitching Symptoms
Article Sources
- 1. 'Twitching Eyes and Muscles.' Nhs.uk, 13 Feb. 2018, www.nhs.uk/conditions/twitching-eyes-and-muscles/
- 2. 'Eye Twitching.' A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 27 Feb. 2021, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/e/eye-twitching.html
- 3. 'What Is an Eyelid Spasm or Twitching Eyelid?' American Academy of Ophthalmology, 17 Dec. 2020, www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/eyelid-spasm-twitch
- 4. 'Eye Twitching.' Mayo Clinic, 16 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/eye-twitching/basics/definition/sym-20050838
- 5. 'Eye Twitching When to See a Doctor.' Mayo Clinic, 16 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/eye-twitching/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050838
Eyelid twitching is a common condition. It can be brought on by stress, fatigue, smoking, bright light, caffeine or medications a person is taking.1‘Twitching Eyes and Muscles.’ Nhs.uk, 13 Feb. 2018, www.nhs.uk/conditions/twitching-eyes-and-muscles/ In some cases, eye twitching can be a sign of a more serious neurological condition, such as Parkinson's disease or Meige syndrome.2‘Eye Twitching.’ A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 27 Feb. 2021, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/e/eye-twitching.html
Worrying about a twitch rarely helps and can make twitching worse. Typically, eye twitching is harmless and goes away on its own. But if a twitch lasts for more than two weeks or starts to show certain concerning symptoms, it's a good idea to see a doctor.1‘Twitching Eyes and Muscles.’ Nhs.uk, 13 Feb. 2018, www.nhs.uk/conditions/twitching-eyes-and-muscles/
Spasms in the Eyelid
The common and standard symptom of an eye twitch is, predictably, the eyelid twitching. This is a sudden small movement that can affect one or both eyes.3‘What Is an Eyelid Spasm or Twitching Eyelid?’ American Academy of Ophthalmology, 17 Dec. 2020, www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/eyelid-spasm-twitch A person cannot control the movement and may barely notice it. It can feel like a fluttering or jerking sensation.
Eye twitches can be bothersome. They commonly go away after a short time but can recur over hours, days or weeks.4‘Eye Twitching.’ Mayo Clinic, 16 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/eye-twitching/basics/definition/sym-20050838 Some people are prone to repeated eye twitches, while others may experience eye twitching briefly and then never again. Those with frequent twitching episodes may want to discuss them with a doctor.2‘Eye Twitching.’ A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 27 Feb. 2021, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/e/eye-twitching.html
Eye Irritation
Before the twitching begins, a person may notice that their eye feels sensitive or irritated. It may feel as though something is stuck in the eye and it needs to be rubbed or blinked out.
This is a common early symptom of eye twitching and does not necessarily mean that the eye is damaged or injured. Eye twitching, however, doesn't commonly hurt. If the irritation progresses to pain, that may be a reason to seek medical help.2‘Eye Twitching.’ A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 27 Feb. 2021, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/e/eye-twitching.html
Increased Blinking
If the eyes feel irritated, a person may blink more than usual in response. The twitching itself, however, can take the form of excessive blinking. There is an uncommon type of eye twitch called benign essential blepharospasm where a person involuntarily winks, blinks or squeezes their eyes shut.
While this type of eye twitching does not necessarily harm the eye, it can become a nuisance to the person affected. Constantly closing the eyes without meaning to can affect driving, reading and other daily activities.4‘Eye Twitching.’ Mayo Clinic, 16 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/eye-twitching/basics/definition/sym-20050838
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are a symptom that can both stem from eye twitching and exacerbate it. The eye twitch can interfere with blinking or cause extra friction on the eyes, which can lead to irritated eyes and bring on more twitching.
Commonly this symptom, along with many others, lessens as the twitch naturally starts to end. Over-the-counter eye drops may help alleviate this symptom, or a person can seek medical advice.2‘Eye Twitching.’ A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 27 Feb. 2021, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/e/eye-twitching.html
Light Sensitivity
Eye twitching can be brought on by bright lights or made worse by them. A person with eye twitching may find they have a harder time adjusting to a sudden change in lighting and may find brightness painful.
Sunglasses may help to reduce pain and manage the eye twitching. Sensitivity to light can get progressively worse if eye twitching is frequent or lasts for a prolonged period. Temporary medication, lifestyle changes or Botox injections may be needed to help manage a persistent twitch.2‘Eye Twitching.’ A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 27 Feb. 2021, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/e/eye-twitching.html
Vision Problems
Commonly, eye twitching is a benign and temporary inconvenience. Consistent twitching over time, however, can start to affect the eyes. Difficulty focusing the eyes or strain on the muscles can cause blurriness or double vision. More serious types of eye twitching, such as involuntary blinking, can also affect vision.
If eye twitching is causing vision difficulties, it may be necessary to see a family doctor or potentially a specialist. Managing the twitch and restoring proper vision may require different solutions for different people.2‘Eye Twitching.’ A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 27 Feb. 2021, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/e/eye-twitching.html
Facial Spasms
When a person experiences eye twitching, twitches in other parts of the face are an important symptom to watch for. If the twitching starts in the eyelid, but then starts to affect other areas on one side of the face, it could be a hemifacial spasm brought on by pressure on facial nerves.3‘What Is an Eyelid Spasm or Twitching Eyelid?’ American Academy of Ophthalmology, 17 Dec. 2020, www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/eyelid-spasm-twitch
More progressive or far-reaching twitching can also indicate a neurological disorder. Facial twitching is not always a symptom of serious illness, but can be a sign.2‘Eye Twitching.’ A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 27 Feb. 2021, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/e/eye-twitching.html
Red, Swollen Eyes
While the eye may feel irritation in typical, harmless eye twitching, external symptoms of infection are a concern. If the eye is painful, red, or swollen, or if it leaks discharge, it may be a sign to see a doctor.
Sometimes the same external issue can cause both eye twitching and red, watery eyes. Allergies or an infection, for example, could cause both. Managing the underlying condition could help ease the twitching and prevent more serious damage to the eye.5‘Eye Twitching When to See a Doctor.’ Mayo Clinic, 16 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/eye-twitching/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050838
Drooping Eyelids
One concerning symptom is a drooping eyelid. A person with eye twitching should see a doctor if they notice their eyelids or brows resting lower than typical with their eyes open. Any abnormality in the eyelids or skin around the eyes needs medical attention.
Drooping eyelids after a long period of eye twitching can be a sign of the twitch damaging the muscles around the eyes. A sudden drooping eyelid could also be a sign of a stroke.2‘Eye Twitching.’ A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 27 Feb. 2021, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/e/eye-twitching.html
Weak or Stiff Muscles
A long period of involuntary eye twitching can wear the muscles down. Struggles with opening the eye and stiffness or droopiness around the eye are all concerning symptoms.2‘Eye Twitching.’ A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 27 Feb. 2021, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/e/eye-twitching.html
There are many reasons the muscles around the eyes may begin to feel stiff or weak, and not all of those reasons are dangerous; however, some serious neurological illnesses can weaken the muscles around the eye, and early management is crucial in these cases.1‘Twitching Eyes and Muscles.’ Nhs.uk, 13 Feb. 2018, www.nhs.uk/conditions/twitching-eyes-and-muscles/
