[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/01\/eye-twitching\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/01\/eye-twitching\/","headline":"What Causes Eye Twitching? About Ocular Myokymia","name":"What Causes Eye Twitching? About Ocular Myokymia","description":"What Causes Eye Twitching? About Ocular Myokymia Have you ever felt your eyelid contracting without reason? This twitching is called myokymia (my-o-KIM-e-uh) . Read on to find out the causes, treatments, and dangerous myokymia. What is Ocular Myokymia? Ocular myokymia, more commonly known as eyelid twitching, is characterized by contractions or twitching of the eyelids. […]","datePublished":"2014-01-17","dateModified":"2023-07-18","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/ophthalmology-regions","name":"UPMC Vision Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/ophthalmology-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-vision-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/eye-twitching.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/eye-twitching.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/01\/eye-twitching\/","about":["Eye Health","Health Topics A-Z"],"wordCount":651,"keywords":["eye twitching","ocular myokymia"],"articleBody":"What Causes Eye Twitching? About Ocular MyokymiaHave you ever felt your eyelid contracting without reason? This twitching is called myokymia (my-o-KIM-e-uh) . Read on to find out the causes, treatments, and dangerous myokymia.What is Ocular Myokymia?Ocular myokymia, more commonly known as eyelid twitching, is characterized by contractions or twitching of the eyelids.According to the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, eyelid twitching involves jumping of the eyelids. It can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few days, while in rare cases, people can experience it for weeks and months at a time.According to John Swogger, DO, an ophthalmologist at the UPMC Vision Institute, an episode of myokymia may feel as if the eyeball is twitching or shaking. The experience also may feel like fluttering from above and below the eye itself; however, it is rarely associated with movement of the eyeball. The condition can happen at any age and usually only in one eye at a time, though both eyes can become involved. It usually affects the lower eyelid, but both can be affected.What Are the Causes of Eyelid Twitching?Oftentimes eyelid twitching occurs for benign reasons and will pass with some time. There are many triggers of eyelid twitching, including:\u2022 Lack of sleep.\u2022 Increased stress.\u2022 Increased intake of caffeine or other stimulants.\u2022 Dry eyes.\u2022 Medication.\u2022 Alcohol.\u2022 Allergies.\u2022 A combination of these factors.RELATED:\u00a0Infographic: 6 Common Sleep DisordersEyelid Twitch Causes for ConcernAccording to the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, eyelid twitching is not typically associated with other neurological conditions.In rare cases, however, they could be a cause for concern. Some more serious conditions include eye twitching as a symptom, including:Hemifacial spasmBell\u2019s palsyParkinson\u2019s diseaseMultiple sclerosisDystoniaTourette\u2019s disorderBlepharospasmWhat is blepharospasm?Blepharospasm (BLEFF-a-ro-spaz-um) may start out as an increase in blinking of both eyes and mat progress into the eyelids being squeezed shut. While this condition is very rare, it can be quite severe and impact all aspects of life.A similar condition called hemifacial spasm, which is the twitching of the muscles on the side of the face, can also affect the eyelids. Call your doctor if you are experiencing blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm.What Are the Treatments for Eye Twitching?Eyelid twitching can usually be resolved by making lifestyle changes. Those include:\u2022 Reducing stress \u2013 Managing stress can allow the entire body to relax and relieve twitching symptoms.\u2022 Getting more sleep \u2013 Extra rest is always a good option to help the body heal.\u2022 Using eye drops — Keeping your eyeballs lubricated is essential to good eye health.\u2022 Reducing the intake of stimulants, such as caffeine \u2013 Stimulants can reduce the body\u2019s hydration and may cause jitters.For severe cases, treatments include oral medications, injections such as Botox, and surgery.When Should You See a Doctor?You should consult a doctor if:\u2022 The eyelid and\/or eyeball twitching persists longer than a few months.\u2022 Other symptoms, such as double vision, weakness of eyelid closure and\/or numbness, or tingling, are present.\u2022 Muscles of the sides of the face twitch, causing the eyelids to twitch.\u2022 Eyelids blink uncontrollably.\u2022 Eyelids shut involuntarily.Although these symptoms are rare, you should consult your doctor immediately if they appear.To learn more about eye twitching or to schedule an appointment, visit the UPMC Vision Institute or call 412-647-2200.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on January 17, 2014, and was last reviewed on July 18, 2022.SourcesBlepharospasm. American Academy of Family Physicians. How to Stop Eye Twitching. American Academy for Ophthalmology. Eyelid Spasms. American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.   C. Robert Bernardino, MD FACS. How to Diagnose and Relieve Periocular Spasm. Review of Ophthalmology. Risha Hertz, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna, Doug Stranges. Multiple Sclerosis Presenting with Facial Twitching (Myokymia and Hemifacial Spasms). Case Reports in Neurological Medicine. Twitching Eyes and Muscles. National Health Service (UK). Benign Essential Blepharospasm. National Organization for Rare Disorders. "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"01","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/01\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What Causes Eye Twitching? About Ocular Myokymia","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/01\/eye-twitching\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]