Why Do Our Eyes Twitch?

We may have experienced the occasional eye twitching here and there. It usually doesn’t last long; but, in some cases, it can last for months. Researchers are still not sure about the exact cause of what is formally known as ‘benign essential blepharospasm’, but there are triggers that lead specific muscles around the eyes to spasm. Common triggers of this involuntary muscle spasm include stress, tiredness and eye strain, the use of certain medications, and smoking. Fortunately, the twitching usually settles once its trigger settles.

Stress

Most of us have faced some level of stress at some point in our lives. If the trigger for the eye twitches is due to stress, then managing the stress is the best way to relieve the symptoms. Easier said than done - Understandable.

To help with stress relief, consider incorporating calming practices into your daily life such as breathing exercises, stretching, yoga, and walking outside. Spending time with loved ones, even virtually, can help relieve chronic stress.

Eye Strain

Vision related stress is common when we struggle with our eyesight and may need glasses or an update to our prescription. Even a minor visual problem can force our eyes to overwork themselves, which results in eye twitching and even headaches. Consider scheduling an appointment with your eye doctor to better assess any vision-related cause for the eye twitch.

Other causes of eye strain involve computer screens. From tablets to smartphones, our eyes are under constant strain from extended use of digital devices and continuous blue light radiation. If your profession requires you to be on the computer for long periods of time, talk to your eye doctor about glasses that filter blue light emissions to help reduce eye strain, and with that, the eye twitching.

Another way to relax the eyes is by practicing our 20-20-20 Rule. Remember?

Caffeine

Stress and drinking caffeine go hand in hand. If you are noticing eye twitching lately, try monitoring your caffeine intake over a 24-hour period. This might also be easier said than done. Cut back on caffeine and see how your stress levels and eye twitching feel over the next few days.

Nutritional Imbalance

Some research identifies certain nutrient deficiencies as a cause of muscle spasms, which lead our eyes to twitch. One of these nutrients is a magnesium deficiency. Talk to your primary care doctor to determine whether taking a magnesium supplement might be right for you.

Other causes of long-term eye twitching, although rare, may involve the brain or nervous system. If you believe you may have a more serious condition, please seek medical care with your eye doctor or primary care doctor immediately.

The short answer in relieving these eye muscle spasms is to slow down our busy lives, even for moments at a time. Take it as a sign from your body to take a breath and pay attention to how your overall health is doing before you get back to conquering the world.