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.

Close-up of a single eye with natural makeup and brown eyebrow on warm skin tone
By Tom Wilk August 26, 2026
Discover how Lumenis TRILIFT™ supports better blinking, dry eye comfort, and a refreshed appearance at Mountain View Optometry.
Boy in glasses writing at a desk, leaning forward with a focused expression.
By Tom Wilk August 26, 2026
Learn which myopia control treatment may be right for your child, from specialty contact lenses and Ortho-K to atropine eye drops.
Hands adjusting the arms of round black sunglasses on a white background
By Rosendo C August 26, 2026
Meet annu, our newest eyewear collection, featuring lightweight comfort, modern shapes, and German design.
Man wearing blue sunglasses and hiking gear on a rocky Maui coastline with ocean waves
By Rosendo C July 30, 2026
Explore Maui Jim Sunglasses for Spring-Summer 2026, featuring vibrant style, exceptional clarity, and all-day comfort for brighter days ahead.
Close-up of a freckled person with blonde hair wearing dark glasses, looking calmly at the camera.
By Rosendo C July 30, 2026
Twenty-six rolls of film capture the anticipation of 2026, reflecting the instinct, intensity, and creative vision of an independent brand.
By Tom Wilk July 28, 2026
Learn why buying eye drops online can be risky, from contamination and counterfeit products to poor storage, plus when to seek urgent eye care.
Woman on a phone, looking worried in a living room, with a red eye.
By Tom Wilk July 8, 2026
Eye emergency? Get fast, same-day care at Mountain View Optometry. Learn symptoms, what to do, and how to protect your vision.
Blue abstract water background with a transparent glass pane and water droplets on the right
By Rosendo C July 8, 2026
ZEISS CleanGuard is a new lens coating technology designed to make glasses easier to clean and more resistant to fingerprints, dust, and water.
Woman in sunglasses using a white cane on a sunny city sidewalk
By Tom Wilk June 25, 2026
Discover how Meta AI Glasses help people with low vision read text, identify surroundings, and navigate daily life with greater independence.
Two women discussing a small bottle in a salon with shelves of hair products behind them
By Tom Wilk June 24, 2026
Learn about tattoo-associated uveitis, a rare eye inflammation linked to tattoo ink reactions, and the symptoms that should prompt an eye exam.
Show More