Eyelid twitches can be annoying, and if persistent, extremely distressing. If you’ve grown up in north India, you’d have been told eyelid twitches mean you’ll get some money, or lose a friend. To your eye doctor, your eyelid twitches mean something else altogether!
Eyelid twitches or or tics result from a spasm or slight movement of your upper or lower eyelids. They can start suddenly, and last for a few minutes, even up to days. Even though it seems as if everyone around can see your eye twitch, the movement is imperceptible.
Most eyelid twitches are harmless
Most eyelid twitches do you no harm, and do not impact vision. That said, blepharospasm and hemifacial spasms are definite neurological concerns. In these, the eyelids close almost completely, as in a blink, and for longer periods of time. This eyelid closure may last for minutes, therefore, blocking your vision. Additionally, other face muscles may also experience the rhythmic contractions or spasms.
So if your eyelid twitches every once in a while, and briefly, you need not worry.
What to do when your eyelid twitches?
Here’s what you can do to make yourself feel better.
Sleep
Eyelid twitches can be a result of tiredness. If you sleep, or even close your eyes for a while, you will find that the twitches may disappear.
Decrease stress
Stress can often lead to a twitch. Try and handle the reason for the stress, or, try and do something that makes you feel better. Exercise may just be the stress buster you need.
Decrease your caffeine intake
Excessive caffeine can result in eyelid twitches and spasms. Make sure you decrease your caffeine intake. Cut back on coffee, tea and soda intake.
Use lubricating eye drops
Very often, twitches are the result of dry eyes. You may want to visit your eye doctor for a check up. Before that, you can also use over the counter lubricating eye drops. Choose moisturizing eye drops that are preservative free.
Up your vitamin B 12 intake
Vitamin B 12 deficiency symptoms include everything from depression, fatigue, and sores to muscle twitches. This is especially common if you are a vegetarian or vegan, since animal products are a major source of this vitamin.
Your doctor may ask for serum vitamin B 12 levels, suggest dietary modifications or prescribe a vitamin B 12 supplement to help with your eyelid twitches.
Consult your doctor
As always, in case your symptoms persist, or get aggravated, make sure you see your eye doctor promptly.
