Eye twitching, also known as eyelid twitching or myokymia, is usually caused by involuntary spasms of the eyelid muscles. The exact cause is not always known, but several common factors can trigger or worsen eye twitching:
- Stress and anxiety
- Fatigue or lack of sleep
- Eye strain, often from prolonged screen use or focusing on tasks
- Dry or irritated eyes
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption
- Certain medications
- Allergies and environmental irritants
- Dehydration and poor nutrition affecting muscle function
These causes generally lead to temporary and benign eye twitching that resolves on its own
. Less commonly, more serious conditions can cause persistent or severe eye twitching, including:
- Benign essential blepharospasm, a neurological movement disorder causing sustained eyelid contractions
- Hemifacial spasm, caused by a blood vessel pressing on a facial nerve
- Neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Bell’s palsy, dystonia, or Tourette syndrome
If eye twitching is accompanied by other symptoms like eyelid drooping, complete closure, redness, swelling, or lasts for more than a week, medical evaluation is advised to rule out these underlying conditions
. In summary, most eye twitching is caused by lifestyle factors such as stress, fatigue, eye strain, and stimulants, and it is usually harmless and temporary. Persistent or severe twitching may indicate a neurological issue requiring medical attention.
