If you have ever had an eyelid twitch for
an extended period of time, you know how annoying it is. An eyelid twitch (or
tic) is when you have a spasm or slight movement of your upper or lower eyelid.
It comes on suddenly, and can last for a minute, hours, days or even longer.
While it may feel as if everyone can see the twitch, most twitches are slight
enough that they can’t be seen by someone simply looking at your face. Most common
eyelid twitches are harmless, and do not affect your vision. However, there are
some neurological problems that can make eyelid muscles contract, such as blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm. These less common conditions generally
tend to cause the eyelids to close more fully and for longer periods of time,
limiting or completely blocking vision. Other muscles in the face may be
affected as well. For the majority of us, the common eyelid twitch is a brief
and minor annoyance. But when it lasts longer or occurs more frequently than
usual, there are some steps you can take to make it go away:
Get Some Sleep!
Eyelid twitches often happen to people when they are overly
tired. Get some restorative sleep.
Step Back From
Stress!
Being under stress can lead to a twitch. If you can’t
eliminate something causing you stress, find stress-reducing activities to help
get rid of the twitch.
Cut Back On Caffeine!
As a stimulant, caffeine can cause eyelid spasms. Limiting
your coffee, tea or soda intake may help to reduce eyelid twitching.
Moisturize Your Eyes!
In some cases, having irritated or dry eyes can
lead to eyelid spasms. Get a dry eye exam if necessary or if you are bothered
by dry eye problems.
If you or someone you know has ongoing eyelid twitching and
gritty, uncomfortable eyes please schedule an eye exam at Alabama Eye &
Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or https://www.facebook.com/AlabamaEyeCataractCenter/.
Alabama Eye & Cataract Center is a
leading eye care center in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th
Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and staffed by UAB Medicine eye
doctors and eye specialists.
