GETTING EYELID TWITCHES? HERE’S A FEW THINGS TO KNOW…

November 18, 2014
A close up of a woman 's brown eye with long eyelashes.

So there you are minding your own business, then all of a sudden your eyelid starts twitching uncontrollably.  What is going on?  Chances are you may have a common condition called “myokymia”.

Here are a few facts about eyelid twitches:

The muscles in your eyelids are different than muscles elsewhere in your body.  The nerves that activate them are quite sensitive and can be set off to repetitively fire, causing the muscles to spasm.

They can last for days or even weeks in some cases.  In most cases they are completely harmless but can be quite aggravating and even noticeable by others.  Significant myokymia can even cause temporary double vision!

Eyelid twitches usually happen as a result of stress, fatigue, caffeine, smoking, dry eyes or eye strain.

Addressing the causative factors usually resolves the lid twitch in a few days.  A cool compress may also be effective.  Seeing your eye doctor for an eye exam to ensure your eyes are healthy, working efficiently and seeing well is also a good idea.

Come and see us for an appointment if you have persistent eyelid twitches, and especially if there are other symptoms such as a droopy eyelid or other part of the face, mucous discharge or red/swollen eyes.

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