Why is My Eye Twitching? 5 Ways to Treat it at Home

The occasional eye twitch is normal and not a sign of any severe health problems. An eye twitch is the involuntary, abnormal spasm of the eyelid muscle. In most people, eyelid twitching usually lasts for a few days or weeks. However, in some people, eye twitching happens more frequently and lasts for a very long time.

What causes eye twitching?

Most eyelid spasms resolve on their own without any treatment. In rare cases, eyelid spasms may be a sign of a movement disorder, which causes involuntary muscle movement. If eyelid twitching lasts longer than a few weeks and you are experiencing facial spasms, please schedule an appointment with a physician. You should also schedule an appointment if:

1. Your eyelid completely closes with each twitch or you have difficulty opening the eye
2. Your eye is red or swollen or has discharge
3. Your eyelids are drooping

However, most eyelid twitches are triggered by:

1. Stress
2. Driving
3. Fatigue
4. Caffeine
5. Alcohol
6. Smoking
7. Light sensitivity
8. Air pollution
9. Medication side effects

How to treat eye twitching?

Eyelid twitches are painless but annoying at times. You may not need any treatment from a physician for your eye twitching. However, there are things you can do to reduce the symptom. First, reduce your stress. This is usually the main cause of eye twitching. Take a break from stressful activities by relaxing, going on a walk, meditating or listening to soothing music. Also, get plenty of rest and create a healthy bedtime routine. Other tips include:

1. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
2. Quit smoking
3. Wear sunglasses outside
4. Use eye drops to soothe dry eyes
5. Take a break from reading or looking at a screen