An eyelid twitch is annoying, and can often result in a lot of anxiety. The twitch can range from a mild tremor which cannot be seen, to a full-blown spasm of the eyelids, making it difficult for you to keep your eyes open. The former is usually innocuous. The latter, which may be called a blepharospam, or a hemifacial spasm, may be the first symptom of a neurological disorder.
Why is my eyelid twitching?
Most eyelid twitches do not affect your vision, and are self-limiting. However, the more serious blepharospam, or a hemifacial spasm may have an underlying disease which causes spasm of the eyelid muscles. These may hamper your vision, by causing a complete and forced closure of the eyes. A blepharospasm is limited to the eyelids. A hemifacial spasm extends to other facial muscles also.
In the absence of an underlying nerve disorder, the most common reasons for eyelid twitches are:
- Fatigue
- Lack of adequate sleep
- Digital strain or too much time with screen devices
- Dry eyes
- Stress
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
How can I make the eyelid twitch go away?
This is what you can do to help with the symptoms. However, in case of a spasm that is complete or long lasting, you must your eye doctor without delay.
Try and get more sleep
Eyelid twitches usually respond very well to rest and sleep. Tired eyes often tend to have small flutter like twitches. These are eased by rest.
Manage stress
Stress can aggravate almost all your symptoms, including eyelid twitches. While stress is an undeniable part of modern day living, you can manage it better. In fact, exercise, yoga, mindfulness and time with friends can all help you combat the stresses of everyday living.
Decrease caffeine intake
Caffeine is a stimulant. It can, therefore, cause and aggravate eyelid spasms. Limiting your coffee, tea and cola intake may help to reduce your symptoms.
Lubricate eyes
Over the counter lubricating or moisturizing eye drops may also help relieve your symptoms. In fact, you must choose tear supplements that are preservative free.
Decrease your screen time
Decreasing the time you spend with digital screens will help you with eye fatigue, as well as dryness. In fact, the blue light from screens is also known to affect your sleep wake cycle. Add to it the anxiety that is often fuelled by your digital presence.
Increase your Vitamin B12 intake.
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products. If you are vegan, or vegetarian, or pregnant, or breastfeeding, you may be at risk for this deficiency. In this case, fortified cereals and nutritional yeast are good sources of the vitamin. Your doctor may even recommend a vitamin B 12 supplement.
