Reason
Eyelid twitching is an involuntary muscle contraction of the eyelid that usually affects the lower eyelid. Eyelid twitching sometimes occurs during times of increased stress. Eyelid twitching has also been linked to high caffeine consumption, fatigue, or excessive squinting. It can also occur after reading or working on a computer for long periods of time.
Here are some common causes of eyelid twitching:
- Caffeine or certain medications
- Fatigue due to lack of sleep
- Stress or anxiety
- Smoking or drinking alcohol
- Eye strain from using computers, reading, watching TV or bright lights
- Dry eyes
- Allergy
Eyelid twitching sometimes occurs with an eye infection or an inflammation of the eyelids called blepharitis.
Types of eyelid twitching
Eyelid twitching can be classified into three types:
- Mild eyelid twitching: Most of the time, eyelid twitching will go away on its own, usually within a few days. Mild eyelid twitching is often associated with stress or fatigue.
- Benign essential blepharospasm: Blepharospasm is an abnormal blinking or twitching of the eyelids caused by dryness, Tourette syndrome, and other conditions.
- Hemifacial spasm: More severe eyelid spasms that sometimes affect the entire side of the face are called hemifacial spasms. Hemifacial spasms can become much more severe seizures. This type of seizure can affect speech and eating.
Twitching in both eyelids
If eyelid twitching occurs in both eyes, you may have blepharospasm. This is a chronic condition that is most common in women over 50. Blepharospasm can progress to a condition where the eyes close constantly.
Like most other eyelid twitches, there is no clear cause, but the condition can be aggravated by stress, bright lights, watching too much television, and fatigue.
