How can my eye stop twitching

Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Members Members. Eyewear and Wellness. Ask an Eye Doctor. Why is My Eye Twitching? Causes of Eye Twitching Most people will develop some type of minor eyelid twitch in their lifetime, as there are a variety of external factors that can account for twitching eyes.

Treatment for Eye Twitching If you feel your eyes begin to twitch, take a look at your recent lifestyle choices. Twitching lasting longer than 72 hours, that completely closes an eyelid Spasms that involve other facial muscles Redness, swelling, or discharge from an eye or a droopy upper eyelid This article was reviewed by Dr. Contact Contact Us. Call Member Services. Email Member Services.

Non-Discrimination Statement. Notice of Privacy Practices. Patient Rights. Terms and Conditions. But most eye twitches are subtle and are not easily seen by others.

The medical term for eye twitching is myokymia. Sometimes, making minor changes to your diet and lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of eye twitching or help make an eyelid twitch disappear. Stress is probably the most common cause of eye twitching. Yoga, breathing exercises, spending time with friends or pets and getting more down time into your schedule are ways to reduce stress that may be causing your eyelid twitch. Lack of sleep, whether because of stress or some other reason, can trigger eye twitching.

Catching up on your sleep and having a consistent sleep schedule can help. Eye strain — particularly digital eye strain from overuse of computers, tablets and smartphones — also is a common cause of eyelid twitching. Follow the " rule" when using digital devices: Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and allow your eyes to focus on a distant object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds or longer. This reduces fatigue that may trigger eye twitching.

Also, ask your eye doctor about computer eyeglasses to relieve digital eye strain. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. So the best treatments for an eye twitch are to reduce the stressors in your life, get plenty of rest, and drink fewer caffeinated beverages. What can you do in the meantime? I often recommend warm compresses to help relax the eye muscles.

And, sometimes, a twitch can be a sign of dry eye or allergy, for which I recommend eye drops. Find answers to questions that pique your curiosity in our series, The Short Answer. Optometrist Stephanie Erwin, OD, fields this one.