For many people, an eye twitch is a minor annoyance that lasts for no more than a minute or two but for others, it can be an aggravating condition that causes constant, daily stress.
Although mild occurrences of eyelid twitching are very common, they are considered to be an eye emergency if accompanied by redness, unusual discharge or twitching in other facial areas. These may be symptoms of a more serious neurological disorder.
At our eye clinic in Market Mall, our eye doctors can provide comprehensive services to help determine the cause of your eye twitching, reducing any discomfort and protecting the health of your eye.
What is an Eye Twitch?
Eyelid twitches (or essential blepharospasm) are involuntary muscle movements that happen in one or both eyelids.
Eye doctors aren’t sure what causes eyelids to twitch but have speculated on several causes including stress, fatigue, dry eye or caffeine/alcohol/tobacco use.
Some of the symptoms of eye twitching include:
- Excessive blinking of the eyes
- Involuntary muscle movement around the eyes
- Eye dryness
- Light sensitivity
- Tired eyes
Mild cases of eyelid twitches are isolated and will go away on their own. Gently massaging the affected eyelid or using a warm compress can help the muscle relax and minimize the spasms.
Additionally, your eye doctor can perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine whether any eye treatment can resolve the problem. In some cases, updating your eyeglass or contact lens prescription can reduce eye twitching.
When to See Your Eye Doctor
Although in most cases, eyelid twitches are rarely serious, if symptoms persist, you should visit your eye doctor to rule out any eye conditions or neurological problems.
An eyelid twitch is considered to be an eye emergency if you experience any of the following:
- Eyelid twitching that lasts for more than one week
- Twitching that causes your eyelid to close completely
- Twitching that involves other facial or neck muscles
- Redness, swelling or discharge from the eye
- Visual disturbances
- Upper eyelid drooping
Our Calgary eye doctors are highly trained and experienced in the medical management of eye emergencies and can help determine the cause of your eye twitching, providing the necessary treatment to prevent any further damage to your vision.
Home Remedies for Eye TwitchingIf you are experiencing some discomfort due to eye twitching, these home remedies can help relieve your symptoms:
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However, if the eye twitching case is more severe, your eye doctor may recommend other treatments including:
- Facial Injections
These facial injections are administered to cause paralysis around the affected area. In most cases, symptoms are immediately relieved and the results may last for up to 12 weeks. Patients usually require an injection every 3-4 months.
- Surgery
For more serious eye emergencies, surgical removal of the muscles around the eyelids may be required. This method is only used in patients who do not respond to any other form of treatment.
Learn More
To learn more about our eye emergency services or how our eye doctors can help relieve your eye twitching, contact our Calgary eye clinic today at 403-286-4884.
