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Do you get puzzled why your eyes suddenly start blinking repetitively in an uncontrolled manner? Have you noticed that this occurs generally with your upper eyelids and rarely with the lower lids? It’s nothing but eye twitching which is due to weak eyelid muscles and is often seen with both the eyes or occasionally with only one eye. Eye twitch can last from few seconds to even minutes and can recur hourly in a few people, for several days. None so far could find out the exact cause of this movement disorder. Let’s look at the possible triggers for an eye twitch.
Stress
Stress is the major cause of eye twitch. Our bodies react differently to stress. It may be reflected as an eye twitch in a few, indicating that your body is stressed and tired. All you need to do is just relax, get over the hump, and the twitching will likely go away within a couple of days.
Tiredness and eye strain
Have you been pulling some extra workload and compromising with your sleeping hours? If yes, then your eyes will surely start complaining. Similar to the other muscles of your body, your eye muscles get strained when overworked. Get adequate sleep; at least 7-8 hours is essential to attain complete fitness. If you haven’t seen an eye doctor for over a year, then it’s time you visit him.
Dry eyes
As you age, you are more likely to have dry eyes. It is also common for people to work for long hours staring at the computer screens. Certain medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, etc. can cause dry eyes as a side effect. Other possible reasons are the use of contact lens, consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
When your eyes dry, you start blinking your eyes involuntarily to keep them moisturized. A doctor’s consultation is required for evaluation of the cause of your dry eyes.
Imbalanced nutrition
Deficiencies in vitamin B, especially vitamin B12; lack of magnesium, can trigger eye twitching. Mild dehydration can also lead to eye twitching. Rather than taking over-the-counter nutritional supplements, it is better you talk to a doctor for advice.
Caffeine and alcohol
It’s worth trying to cut back on caffeine and alcohol as they are believed to trigger eye spasms and twitching.
The other conditions which can have eye twitching as a symptom are a conjunctivitis, glaucoma, blepharitis, light sensitivity, etc. Although rare, heredity can also be involved in the development of eye twitching. Eye twitching can also result from the use of drugs especially those used for psychosis and seizures.
Every person experiences an eye twitch some time in their lives. Most experience it much often. If you have a barely noticeable twitch then nothing to worry but what if it turns bothersome? Do not ignore an increased eye blinking as it can progress to squeezed shut of eyelids. Although this is uncommon, it can be severe enough to affect every aspect of your life. See your doctor and get diagnosed and treated before the condition worsens.
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