Eye twitches are normally a minor nuisance that usually go almost as quickly as they come. More often than not, they are simply a sign that you need to take time to decompress and destress. On the very rare occasions where an eyelid twitch signals something serious, consider it a clue to help you get the healthcare you need.
Eyelid twitching isn’t typically a sign of anything serious. But in some cases, it can be a serious inconvenience or downright annoying, like when you’re driving home from work or sitting in a meeting. Sporadic spasms are common. Thankfully, they usually stop on their own. But why eyes twitch and what you can do to stop them are questions we all ask ourselves.
Medical conditions that can cause your eye (whether one or both) to twitch include:
People who experience chronic eye spasm find some conditions may make their twitching worse, including:
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Anyone can develop the temporary type of eyelid twitches, but some have a higher risk of the chronic kinds:
There are a variety of factors that can cause your eyelid to twitch (besides the medical conditions mentioned). These may include:
The most common causes of eye twitches are stress and fatigue. Make sure you get enough exercise, at least seven to eight hours of sleep and stay hydrated. Once you relax, most cases of eyelid spasms pass — though if you’re super stressed this might take up to a few weeks.
Most cases of eyelid twitches are stress-related and not serious, but they can keep you from focusing and being productive. If eye twitches are bothering you, there are steps you can take.
Try these tips to tame the twitch:
If you have essential blepharospasm, a rose tint added to glasses called FL-41 may help if you have very light-sensitive eyes.
If you have tried everything to destress and still experience eyelid twitches, you may decide it’s time to seek medical attention.
Your doctor may offer you several treatment options, depending upon your case:
Your doctor will prescribe the approach that matches the severity of your condition until it resolves and you are twitch-free and comfortable again.
Generally, it’s a good idea to seek help if you experience:
In very rare cases, an eyelid twitch can be a sign of a nerve or brain disorder. If your only symptom is an eye twitch, you probably have a sporadic spasm that usually results from stress. If you experience other symptoms as well, it could be a sign of something to see your doctor about right away, such as:
A note from Cleveland Clinic:
Eye twitches are normally just an annoyance. More often than not, you should just take them as a sign that you need to take time to decompress and manage stress. On the very rare occasions when an eyelid twitch signals something more serious, heed the call to seek medical attention. If your eye twitches are bothersome or concerning, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/14/2021.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy