10 Eye Twitching Symptoms

By lio

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Twitching Eyes and Muscles.' Nhs.uk, 13 Feb. 2018, www.nhs.uk/conditions/twitching-eyes-and-muscles/
• 2. 'Eye Twitching.' A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 27 Feb. 2021, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/e/eye-twitching.html
• 3. 'What Is an Eyelid Spasm or Twitching Eyelid?' American Academy of Ophthalmology, 17 Dec. 2020, www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/eyelid-spasm-twitch
• 4. 'Eye Twitching.' Mayo Clinic, 16 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/eye-twitching/basics/definition/sym-20050838
• 5. 'Eye Twitching When to See a Doctor.' Mayo Clinic, 16 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/eye-twitching/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050838

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Eyelid twitching is a common condition. It can be brought on by stress, fatigue, smoking, bright light, caffeine or medications a person is taking.¹‘Twitching Eyes and Muscles.’ Nhs.uk, 13 Feb. 2018, www.nhs.uk/conditions/twitching-eyes-and-muscles/ In some cases, eye twitching can be a sign of a more serious neurological condition, such as Parkinson's disease or Meige syndrome.²‘Eye Twitching.’ A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 27 Feb. 2021, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/e/eye-twitching.html

Worrying about a twitch rarely helps and can make twitching worse. Typically, eye twitching is harmless and goes away on its own. But if a twitch lasts for more than two weeks or starts to show certain concerning symptoms, it's a good idea to see a doctor.¹‘Twitching Eyes and Muscles.’ Nhs.uk, 13 Feb. 2018, www.nhs.uk/conditions/twitching-eyes-and-muscles/

Spasms in the Eyelid

The common and standard symptom of an eye twitch is, predictably, the eyelid twitching. This is a sudden small movement that can affect one or both eyes.³‘What Is an Eyelid Spasm or Twitching Eyelid?’ American Academy of Ophthalmology, 17 Dec. 2020, www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/eyelid-spasm-twitch A person cannot control the movement and may barely notice it. It can feel like a fluttering or jerking sensation.

Eye twitches can be bothersome. They commonly go away after a short time but can recur over hours, days or weeks.⁴‘Eye Twitching.’ Mayo Clinic, 16 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/eye-twitching/basics/definition/sym-20050838 Some people are prone to repeated eye twitches, while others may experience eye twitching briefly and then never again. Those with frequent twitching episodes may want to discuss them with a doctor.²‘Eye Twitching.’ A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 27 Feb. 2021, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/e/eye-twitching.html