If you’ve ever felt a persistent eyelid twitch, you’re not alone. Many individuals have experienced this phenomenon at some point, and there are several potential causes behind the issue. While you may want to discuss the symptom with an eye care specialist, here’s what you should know ahead of time.

What Causes Eyelid Twitching?

In some cases, eye twitching may occur without any discernible cause at all. The symptom may feel like a slight tugging on the eyelid and can last for a few seconds at a time. The twitches will often come and go without any distinct pattern. Fortunately, the condition is rarely a cause for concern and can typically be traced to a specific cause.

Some common triggers for these twitches include fatigue, caffeine intake, stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption. It’s also possible the symptom is a result of eye irritation, potentially caused by dryness, wind, or air pollution. If the spasms are intense and cause the eye to close completely, the symptom could be a result of blepharospasm, in which involuntary muscle spasms can lead to vision impairment.

How Is the Condition Treated?

For eye spasms that don’t resolve on their own after a few weeks or particularly intense twitching, it’s a good idea to visit an eye care specialist. First, however, you may want to try modifying any lifestyle behaviors that could be contributing to the issue.

Getting ample sleep, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and minimizing caffeine intake could help keep the symptom at bay. Finding healthy stress outlets, such as journaling, meditating, or practicing yoga, may also alleviate the anxiety causing the spasms.

If the twitching is a result of an underlying condition, such as dry eye, an eye care professional can discuss treatment options with you. For instance, you may be a good candidate for medicated eye drops or artificial tears to help increase moisture levels, as certain medications and allergies may contribute to dryness. Your eye doctor can discuss these potential triggers in greater depth during an appointment.

Whether you’re experiencing a concern with your eye health or you’re simply due for an annual exam, Dr. Daniel J. Kroger, O.D., has all your eye care needs covered. Serving West Chester, OH, this optometrist has more than 25 years of experience and offers an extensive range of vision services. See his full list of care options online, including comprehensive exams and treatment for eye conditions. Call (513) 777-3936 to schedule an appointment today.