Eye twitching is often associated with myths, for example there are other people who are talking about us or there will be an event that will make us cry. In fact, eye twitching can be a sign of a health problem or disease that needs to be watched out for.
An eye twitch is a repetitive contraction of the upper eyelid that occurs spontaneously and suddenly. This disorder, known as blepharospasm, occurs at least every few seconds and lasts for approximately 1-2 minutes.
Eye twitching is not a dangerous complaint and will go away on its own. However, if it occurs frequently, this condition can certainly interfere with daily activities.
Types of Eye Twitch
An eye twitch can occur in one eye or both. The accompanying symptoms are generally different. Based on the severity, eye twitches can be divided into three types, namely:
Minor twitch
Minor or small twitching of the eyelids often occurs due to fatigue, stress, smoking, or excessive consumption of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
This type of eye twitch can also be caused by irritation of the cornea or conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the eyelids. Minor twitches are generally painless and harmless.
Benign essential blepharospasm
If eye twitching becomes chronic or uncontrollable, the condition is known as benign essential blepharospasm. This condition usually affects both eyes. The cause of the eye twitching type of benign essential blepharospasm is not known with certainty.
However, there are several things that can increase your risk of developing benign essential blepharospasm, including:
- Dry eyes
- Conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the surface of the eyelids
- Blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelids due to bacterial infection
- Entropion, which is a condition when the eyelid enters the inside of the eye
- Uveitis, which is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye
Excessive consumption of alcoholic or caffeinated beverages and smoking can also increase your risk of developing this type of eye twitch.
Benign essential blepharospasm is believed to be more common in people aged 50–70 years. In addition, this type of eye twitch is more common in women than men.
Symptoms of benign essential blepharospasm generally begin with incessant blinking of the eyelids. If it continues to worsen, benign essential blepharospasm can cause blurred vision to facial twitching.
Hemificial spasm
Hemifacial spasm or facial spasms are a rare type of eye twitch. This condition involves the muscles around the mouth and eyelids.
Unlike the other two types of eye twitch, hemifacial spasm affects only one side of the face. This type of eye twitch is often caused by a blood vessel pressing on the facial nerve.
Twitching Eyes as a Symptom of Health Problems
In certain conditions, eye twitching can also occur due to disorders of the brain and nervous system. Some diseases that can cause eye twitching include:
- Bell's palsy, which is paralysis of the facial muscles that causes the face to be asymmetrical.
- Dystonia, which is a movement disorder that causes muscles to spasm and uncontrollably, causing the affected body part to twist.
- Cervical dystonia, which is a type of dystonia that causes the neck to spasm suddenly and make the head turn into an uncomfortable position.
- Parkinson's disease, which is a condition that causes limbs to tremble, muscles stiffen, difficulty speaking, and balance problems.
- Tourette's syndrome is characterized by spontaneous and repetitive movements and sounds (tics).
- multiple sclerosis, namely neurological disorders of the brain, eyes, and spine.
In addition to some of the health problems above, eye twitching can also occur due to side effects of drugs, especially the types of drugs used to treat psychosis and epilepsy.
How to Overcome Twitching Eyes
Eye twitches generally do not require special treatment and will go away on their own. However, if it doesn't get better, you can try to reduce or eliminate eye twitching in the following ways:
- Get enough rest.
- Limit consumption of caffeinated drinks and alcoholic beverages.
- Stop smoking.
- Keep the surface of the eye moist with artificial tear drops.
- Give a warm compress when the eye twitches start to feel.
- Limit the time you stare at the screen of an electronic device, such as a computer, laptop, or cell phone. If you work using these electronic devices, rest your eyes for a moment every time your eyes start to feel tired or uncomfortable.
If some of the tips above have not been able to relieve the eye twitch you are experiencing, you should immediately consult a doctor. Moreover, if the eye twitch is accompanied by the following signs and symptoms:
- The twitches haven't gone away for weeks
- Your eyelids are completely closed or you have difficulty opening your eyes
- Eyes become red, discharge, and swollen
- The twitch extends to other parts of the face
- Complaints of eye twitching accompanied by visual disturbances
Treatment for eye twitching is based on the underlying cause. Therefore, if the eye twitching does not subside or you experience the above symptoms, consult a doctor so that an appropriate examination and treatment can be carried out, both with drugs and surgery.