Eye twitching or blepharospasm refers to an uncontrollable eye muscle movement or eyelid spasm. Your upper eyelid may twitch every few seconds, lasting a minute or two. Our optometry practice at Maple Ridge Eye Care often helps individuals suffering from cases of eye twitching. We can help you understand why your eye twitching is occurring and how to prevent it.
What Triggers Eye Twitching?
Eye twitching can be caused by common conditions such as:
- Exhaustion
- Stress
- Caffeine/Alcohol/Smoking
- Certain medications
- Light sensitivity
Different Types of Eye Twitching
- A minor eyelid twitch - caused by fatigue, stress or caffeine. It can also result from irritation of the cornea or the tissues lining your eyelids
- Benign essential blepharospasm – this is a rare condition that occurs in mid-to-late adulthood, primarily in women. It begins with eye irritation or continuous blinking of your eye. The symptoms include light sensitivity, facial spasms, and blurry vision. Unfortunately, this condition can get worse over time. With severe spasms, your eyelids can remain closed for a few hours.
- A hemifacial spasm - this condition is extremely rare and is likely to occur due to an artery putting pressure on a facial nerve. It only impacts one side of your face.
Treatment for Eye Twitching
- If you have only mild eye twitching, you may not require drastic treatment. Changing your lifestyle, including getting more rest and decreasing your caffeine intake, may eliminate the problem.
- If you have a serious case of eye twitching, our optometrists may recommend a botulinum toxin injection. This is given to the muscles of eyelids to paralyze the muscle that is twitching.
- Our optometrists can recommend medication that is effective at easing symptoms.
Contact Us for Eye Care from Our Optometrists in Maple Ridge
If you are concerned about eye twitching, contact our optometry team at Maple Ridge Eye Care by calling us at (604) 670-4434 today or book an online appointment. We are dedicated to providing our patients the eye care they need to ensure optimal vision. Our team will help diagnose the cause of your eye twitching and develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.