Eye twitches are normally just an annoyance. More often than not, you should just take them as a sign that you need to take time to decompress and manage stress. On the very rare occasions when an eyelid twitch signals something more serious, heed the call to seek medical attention.
The exact cause of eye twitching is not known, but the condition can originate in the motor nerves of the brain. Dry eyes, stress, fatigue, eye strain, and certain medications can contribute to an episode. Eye twitching is temporary in most cases and goes away on its own.
Twitching of eyes is considered a significant omen in the Indian culture. It is believed that twitching of left and right eyes have different meanings. For women, a twitching left eye would bring good fortune while it is not considered auspicious if the right eye twitches.
If your right eye jumps, you are going to hear good news. If your left eye jumps, you are going to hear bad news (Roberts 1927: 161). If your right eye jumps, you'll see someone you haven't seen in a long time. If your left eye jumps, a loved one/friend is doing something behind your back.
Eye twitching usually goes away on its own within a few days or weeks with rest, stress relief and decreased caffeine. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if: The twitching doesn't go away within a few weeks. Your eyelid completely closes with each twitch or you have difficulty opening the eye.
Eye twitching is another clear indicator that a brain tumor might be present. While some vision changes can occur gradually, any sudden changes should be immediately discussed with a physician.
Use a warm compress
Applying a warm compress to the upper eyelid area can relax the muscles around the eyes and reduce spasms.
The most common causes of eye twitches are stress and fatigue. Make sure you get enough exercise, at least seven to eight hours of sleep and stay hydrated. Once you relax, most cases of eyelid spasms pass — though if you're super stressed this might take up to a few weeks.
Left eye twitching usually means you'll get good news.
Happiness and good fortune are on the way, so left eye twitching is a positive omen for women.
The superstitions are if your left eye twitches it's good luck, and if your right eye twitches, it's bad luck.
Eyelid twitches, or myokymia, can be caused by eye irritation, eye strain, lack of sleep, dry eyes, or too much caffeine. Severe or long lasting eyelid spasms may be a sign of other conditions. An eyelid twitch, or myokymia, is a repetitive, involuntary spasm of the eyelid muscles.
Eyelid twitching (myokymia) affects only the eyelid. This type of twitch or spasm is very common and happens to most people at one time or another. It can involve either the upper or lower lid, but usually only one eye at a time. The eye twitching can range from barely noticeable to bothersome.
"The main triggers of eyelid twitching are stress, not getting a full night's rest, dehydration, and too much caffeine," says Dr. Shah.
“Several things can cause one or both eyes to twitch and they can last for days to weeks, which can be very frustrating,” he says. “But these types of twitches are rarely a sign of a serious problem.”
A stroke happens when there is a roadblock in the normal supply of oxygen to your brain. While eye twitching alone is not a sign of stroke, it can still be one if it occurs alongside the below symptoms: Balance: Sudden dizziness, vertigo, headache, loss of balance or coordination.
These may include: seizures, difficulty thinking or speaking, changes in personality, anxiety, depression, disorientation, fatigue, abnormal eye movements, numbness or tingling on one side of the body, weakness on one side of the body, loss of balance, vision changes, memory loss, nausea, generalized pain, trouble ...
Your eyes can provide clues linked to Alzheimer's
A recent British study shows that your eyes might provide clues to your brain health: specifically, certain changes in your retina have been associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Minor eyelid twitching can be linked to everyday occurrences, including stress or anxiety. This is typically because you feel more tense, which can cause the muscles and nerves around your eye to become overstimulated.
You may experience eye twitches or spasms when you have not had enough sleep. Your eyes may even be more sensitive to light, or you may have blurry vision. Sleep deprivation could lead to serious eye problems, such as glaucoma, over time.
Sleep deprivation may affect how neurotransmitter receptors work. This means excess neurotransmitters may build up in the brain. The impact that a lack of sleep has on neurotransmitters function may lead to muscle twitching.
It's normal for the muscles to relax, of course, but the brain gets confused. For a minute, it thinks you're falling. In response, the brain causes your muscles to tense as a way to "catch yourself" before falling down — and that makes your body jerk.
Sleep talking usually occurs by itself and is most often harmless. However, in some cases, it might be a sign of a more serious sleep disorder or health condition. REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and sleep terrors are two types of sleep disorders that cause some people to shout during sleep.
Eyelid twitches, or myokymia, can be caused by eye irritation, eye strain, lack of sleep, dry eyes, or too much caffeine. Severe or long lasting eyelid spasms may be a sign of other conditions. An eyelid twitch, or myokymia, is a repetitive, involuntary spasm of the eyelid muscles.
Eyestrain symptoms include: Sore, tired, burning or itching eyes. Watery or dry eyes. Blurred or double vision.