Eye twitching, or eye twitching as it is popularly known, is one of the conditions that can be seen in almost everyone and is usually ignored. Although it is underestimated, twitching can be a harbinger of more serious diseases if it persists for a long time or recurs frequently. Yes, we know that there are many questions about this subject. In this blog content, we will try to answer the curious questions by talking about the details.
Why Does Eye Twitching Occur? How Does It Occur?
Eye twitching is an uncontrolled movement of the muscles in the eyelid or some parts of the face around the eyes. Since it occurs involuntarily, outside of the person’s own control, you can see that it occurs at any time.
Here, in order to better define and understand twitching, it would be more accurate to examine it by dividing it into sections according to exactly where it occurs. We can make a mini definition with a simple table.
| Twitch Type or Shape | Manifestation of Twitching | Affected Region |
| In the form of muscle spasms | It appears as small twitches that are difficult for others to notice. | Muscles of the eyelids and muscles around the eyes. |
| Unilateral facial muscle spasms | effective on one half of the face and as a single eye twitch manifests itself. |
It is clearly visible in the eyes as a left eye twitch or a right eye twitch. |
| Eyelid Spasm | It occurs as contractions strong enough to cause the eye to blink or close. | It occurs in the eyelids. |
| Muscle Wave | Usually the lower eyelids can be in the form of small but steady fluctuations that affect the economy. |
It occurs under the eyes. |
Now that we have shared this table, let’s talk about the causes. As you can see in the table above, twitching can occur in different shapes or regions. It can be a left-eye twitch or a right-eye twitch, or it can even occur in both eyes. Of course, apart from the way it occurs, there are many different factors that can cause it. As we said at the beginning, this can be a temporary condition caused by a simple muscle spasm or it can be a harbinger of different diseases. Let us list the possible causes immediately below.
Possible Causes of Eye Twitching
Excessive nicotine use. In cases such as a momentary increase in smoking, we can see that twitching occurs in the eye, although it is often temporary. In general, it can occur in the form of twitching in one eye, although it is rare in this case, it is possible to experience twitching in both eyes.
- Intensive use of stimulants such as caffeine can also cause twitching in the eyes. However, this is usually temporary.
- Due to medication. Some medications can cause muscle spasms in the eyes as a side effect. This effect may persist as long as the medication continues to be used.
- State of fatigue
- Insomnia that lasts for a long time
- Intense stress. Again, the development of muscle spasms due to stress can also occur, and it should be said that this situation is very common, especially in the eyelids.
- We can say that vitamin deficiency ranks high among the causes of eye twitching. We can say that twitching is a more common condition, especially in vitamin B12 deficiency and vitamin D deficiency.
- Eye disorders and operations.
- In cases of excessive strenuous physical activity and exertion.
- Viral infection conditions. Depending on the infection, viruses can cause your nerves to be affected and leave behind twitching. In most cases, these twitches are expected to go away after a certain period of time.
- Consuming drinks that depress the nervous system, such as alcohol
- Brain tumors. It can be shown as a much more serious cause. It may stand out as a cause of twitching that does not go away.
What Does Eye Twitching Mean?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. In fact, this is a belief that causes false perceptions to arise. There are superstitious beliefs among the people like “my eye is twitching, something bad will happen”. However, let us also point out that these do not reflect the truth and have no medical equivalent. Beliefs that we can show as superstitions that have no basis.
What can be done for treatment? How Does Eye Twitching Go Away?
The cause relationship is very important in the treatment phase. As I mentioned above, there are many reasons. This may even be a situation caused only by drinking too much coffee. It can also occur in cases of sudden stress spikes and fatigue. Naturally, the cause is a very important factor for treatment and is the first step. Considering these temporary conditions, we can make some suggestions.
- Try to reduce your stress levels.
- Make sure you get enough sleep.
- Watch your caffeine intake and your smoking or alcohol consumption. Reduce it during this period.
- Make sure you are eating an adequate and balanced diet.
- If you are engaged in work that is tiring for your eyes (such as working on a PC all the time), take frequent breaks and rest your eyes by following the 20-20-20 rule.
So when should you go to the doctor?
If the twitching does not decrease or disappear after these methods, which we can show as home treatment, then you may need to consult a doctor. Because there may be a more serious cause of twitching that needs to be treated.
If the condition has reached a level that will affect your life and does not go away, it is useful to be examined by a specialist as soon as possible. As mentioned above, eye twitching can be a sign of much more serious diseases.
