What Causes Eye Twitching?

Some people are faced with an annoying eye twitch, spasm or tic that just won't go away. The twitch may occur in one or both eyelids at any time of the day or night, leaving the victim frustrated and irritated. Fortunately, there are known causes of this irritating reaction. Some causes may be simple, while others are little more serious.

Stress

• Stress is the number one cause of many health problems including eye twitching. The lids usually twitch during stressful situations such as work and family related problems. Relieving the twitch may be as simple as eliminating the stress causing problem. However, if the problem is not easily remedied, breathing exercises or leaving the situation can help.

Lack of Sleep

• Sleep deprivation affects the body in a number of ways. One is eye tics. When the eyes are straining to remain open during long hours of work or an activity, they react with spasms. Getting the proper amount of sleep is essential in preventing eye strain and twitches.

Eye Strain

• Staring at a computer all day can lead to very strange happenings with the eyes. This is very unhealthy on the muscles, cornea and other parts of the eye. But with so many people needing to use the computer for work, it may not be avoidable. It may be best to take a five minute break every 30 minutes to relieve the strain. The screen's glare can tire out the eyes very easily.

Dry Eyes

• Another common cause is dry eyes. The twitching may be a sign of the eyes trying to lubricate the surface. It can also be a sign of too much caffeine, exposure to allergens or exhaustion. Although there are eye products geared toward dry eyes, it's better to speak with a physician before using any medication.

Treating eye spasms of any kind begins by seeing a physician. A physician can make the proper diagnosis by examining the eyes for any problems. Some eye problems can mask more serious health problems like Parkinson's disease and cervical dystonia.