Why is My Eye Twitching?
Getting an eye twitch—or spasm—is not a pleasant feeling. Most of the time this quivering sensation is barely noticeable to the people around you, and it ends as quickly as it begins. But, not all eye twitches are the same, and some symptoms need closer attention.
Eyelid Twitching (myokymia)
Myokymia is the most common eye twitch that involves either the upper or lower lid and only one eye at a time. The spontaneous and involuntary flutter you feel is caused by misfiring neurons. Typically, myokymia is not a serious concern and resolves without medical treatment within a few hours or days.
Myokymia can be caused by:
- Loss of Sleep
- Eye Strain
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Dehydration
Blepharospasm
In rare situations, eye twitching is a more severe neurological condition called benign essential blepharospasm (BEB). It's a non-life-threatening disorder that means your basal ganglion (a group of neurons) functions abnormally. BEB occurs in both men and women, although it's more common in middle-aged and elderly women and the cause is unknown.
So, if you notice your eye trembling, get some rest and use a cold compress on your eyes. If the spasm is caused by something in your eye, or the twitching won't let up, have the situation assessed by your eye doctor.