Common Eye Problems: Twitching Eye

You’re going about your everyday business, when something distracts you—your eye twitches. So you ignore it and go back to reading email. But then it happens again!

For seemingly no reason, your eyelid continues with intermittent spasms for the rest of the day. “But what could be causing it?” you’re now seriously asking yourself. “Is this something I should worry about?”

The good news is that eye twitches are harmless and usually go away on their own. But there are several culprits that may cause eye twitching (although it’s often hard to pinpoint any single factor). Ask yourself the following questions to see if any of these possible causes apply to you.

Questions to Ask Yourself About Eye Twitching

Have I recently consumed an excess of alcohol or caffeine?

Am I fatigued due to lack of sleep or another reason?

Have I been exposed to wind or smoke?

Am I experiencing a lot of stress in my life?

Have my eyes or eyelids been irritated by anything?

Have I been exposed to bright lights?

Doctors sometimes identify these common twitches as blepharospasm. They are usually harmless and go away after a short time. Other times, they may be the result of a condition like dry eyes, Glaucoma or light sensitivity. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe a treatment.

So When Should I Call My Eye Doctor?

Minor eyelid twitches can last all day long, or even go on for days or weeks. If your eye twitching hasn’t resolved itself in 1-2 weeks, or if you notice redness or swelling, you should see your doctor. Your doctor will examine your eyes and may prescribe artificial tears or inject a drug like Botox to ease muscle tension around your eyes. In very rare cases, eye twitches can be a sign of a more serious condition such as a brain or nerve disorder. So if your symptoms persist, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

Getting an eye exam to discuss any eye problems you may be having is always a good idea. Saving money with a VSP vision plan can help! Check out our vision insurance plan rates and benefits on eye exams, glasses and contacts that won’t make your eye twitch!

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