Why does your eyelid twitch?

08/11/2022

Eyelid spasms are very common and are usually not related to a serious condition. In most cases, this tremor around the eye is due to the appearance of palpebral myokymia. These are small muscle contractions in the eyelid that occur spontaneously and usually last a few seconds.

Although the origin of myokymias is unknown, specialists point out that in many cases they are caused by stress, lack of sleep or excessive caffeine consumption. Even so, another less common cause is dry eye, a fairly common ocular pathology that consists of lack of tear quantity of a  deterioration in its quality.

Although there is no solution to stop these tremors, the application of artificial tears can be a good help. It is also advisable to get a good rest, as well as have healthy habits that reduce the level of stress.

If the tremors continue for several days, spread to other muscles of the face, or increase in intensity, it would be necessary to go back to the ophthalmologist so that he can proceed with an examination and diagnosis and, based on it, perhaps perform another type of treatment.

Dr. Ainhoa Martínez Grau, ophthalmologist at the Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre