What makes eye lid twitch

Cut back on caffeine As a stimulant, caffeine can cause eyelid spasms. Find an Ophthalmologist. Advanced Search. Ask an Ophthalmologist. Browse Answers. Free Newsletter Get ophthalmologist-reviewed tips and information about eye health and preserving your vision. Risk Factors Essential blepharospasm usually occurs more commonly in females and at a later age. Tests and Diagnosis These conditions are distinguished by a careful clinical examination. Treatment and Drugs Eyelid Twitch Minor eyelid twitches require no treatment as they usually resolve spontaneously.

Reducing stress, using warm soaks, correction of any refractive error, and lubrication of the eye with artificial tears may help. Some ophthalmologists recommend reducing caffeine usage. Blepharospasm Blepharospasm can be treated with medications, biofeedback, injection of botulinum toxin, and surgery. Medications and biofeedback are rarely successful in managing blepharospasm. Botulinum toxin injections are now the most commonly recommended treatment for blepharospasm. Injection of botulinum toxin in very small quantities into the muscles around the eyes will stop the spasm.

Definition Causes When to see a doctor. Products and services. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references AskMayoExpert. Periocular spasm. Mayo Clinic; What is an eyelid spasm or twitching eyelid? American Academy of Ophthalmology. Accessed Jan. How to stop eye twitching. Twitching eyes and muscles. National Health Service. Restoring moisture to the surface of your eye may stop the twitching and decrease the risk of twitching in the future.

Some reports suggest a lack of certain nutritional elements, such as magnesium, can trigger eyelid spasms. Although these reports are not conclusive, this may be another possible cause of eye twitching.

If you are concerned that your diet may not be supplying all the nutrients you need for healthy vision, discuss this with your eye doctor before purchasing over-the-counter nutritional supplements. People with eye allergies can have itching, swelling and watery eyes.

Rubbing your eyes because of allergy symptoms releases histamine into your eyelid tissues and tear film, which may cause eye twitching. Sometimes, over-the-counter eye drops formulated to reduce allergy symptoms can be helpful, but antihistamines in these drops can cause dry eyes.

It's best to consult your eye doctor to make sure you're doing the right thing for your eyes if you experience allergy symptoms and eye twitching.