Eyelid twitching, also called blepharospasm is characterized by the abnormal twitching of the eye because of an uncontrolled contraction of the eyelid muscle. There are different types under eye twitching that can occur. Some of the types of twitching include:
• Minor eyelid twitching is common and occurs instantly. This type of twitching is usually related to fatigue and stress and disappears on its own. It usually does not require any kind of medical treatment.
• Essential eyelid twitching is a type of spasm of the eyelid in which the eyelid closes involuntarily. The condition can last from a few minutes to hours. In the early stages, the suffering person will experience rapid blinking, winking or even pinching in the face. In advanced stages, the eyelid might close down forcefully and the vision becomes blurred.
• Hemifacial spasm is a facial muscle spasm that affects only half of the face. This happens when the blood vessels on facial nerves get compressed. Most of the times, the signs start occurring near the eye and then it moves down along the face.
The reason behind eyelid twitching can vary from stress to an abnormal functioning of the brain. Some of the most common causes behind the twitching of the eye include the following:
• Lack of ample sleep and rest are the main cause behind eyelid twitching. It is important to take enough rest required by the body that will prevent you from suffering from eye twitching.
• Stress is another major factor that affects eye twitching, studies show that stress results in weakening of the immune system and also lowers the life expectancy and can also lead to a number of psychological disorders. Hence, it is important that you lower your stress level, as it is one of the main causes of eyelid twitching.
• Excessive working or leading a sedentary lifestyle also has a lot of effect on eye twitching.
• Constantly, focusing on a computer or a TV screen can result to straining of the eye muscles and lead to twitching, and at times also leads to eye spasm.
• Having vitamin deficiency is also a common cause for eyelid twitching. If you follow a balanced diet then probably this factor can be eliminated.
• Straining the eyes while watching TV, reading, driving or doing minute works like stitching or embroidery can lead to eyelid twitching. When you stress the eye muscles you are actually limiting the light that falls into your eyes and this result to twitching.
• Allergies can also result in causing eye irritation and twitching of the eye. If you have had a history of eye allergies then you can possibly suffer from eye twitching.
• Excess consumption of caffeine can also result in twitching as it stimulates the central nervous system.
• A physical injury, tension or trauma can result in compression or contraction of a nerve in the neck or face which can result in twitching of the eye.
• Some neurological disorders can also result in eyelid twitching.
• There are also some medicines that can generate eyelid twitching and the withdrawal of some medicines like benzodiazipines can also cause eyelid twitching.
If the eyelid twitching ceases on its own and is not very frequent then there is no reason to worry, but if the situation keeps on increasing then it is important to consult a doctor immediately.