Episodes of eye twitching may be far from excruciating but are extremely discomforting. Eye twitching also known as myokymia is a reflexive spasm of the muscles of the eyelid. The spasm usually occurs in the upper lids but it can also occur on both upper and lower lids. 

Eye twitching has its mild and extreme stages. The mild one is what is called myokymia while the profound version which forces the eyelids to close is called blepharospasm. It is important to know the causes of these twitches to avoid them. Though they may be mostly painless, they can constitute a great bother.

No one can lay exact fingers at what causes acute eye twitching. Researchers still believe it is a result of the malfunction of certain cells in the basal ganglia.

Eye twitches usually naturally disappear after a while. In some other cases, it’s an initial stage of a chronic eye condition. Eye twitches which are signs of looming complexities can be spotted if they occur with facial twitches and other perfunctory movements. Here are five causes of eyelid twitches;

1. Caffeine

Caffeine is one of those strong factors associated with eye twitching. Stress and fatigue which are strongly tied to eye twitching are also connected with caffeine. Eye twitching usually stops itself but reducing or avoiding caffeine can quicken the healing process. Drinking about two to four cups of caffeine is considered safe.

2. Stress

The effects of stress can be emotional, psychological or physical. The physical expression of stress can be eye twitching. Eye twitching is not a sure manifestation of stress. We are different and we react differently to stress. Concentrating too much on your computer screen, having too many sleepless nights and some other forms of overworking can lead to stress and hence, episodes of eye twitching.

3. Alcohol

Alcohol causes eye twitching by affecting the quality of sleep. There are many reasons to reduce your alcohol intake and eye twitching is one of the reasons. The body tends to demand quality sleep if it’s been deprived. You might want to cut back on your alcohol consumption to prevent twitching eyes.

4. Medical conditions

As insignificant and harmless as the twitching of the eyes may seem, it might serve to signal conditions to be paid attention to very early. If you have adjusted all habits said to cause eye twitching and it persists. You should see an optometrist immediately because it may be the early signs of more complex diseases. If it occurs alongside other symptoms it may be Bell’s palsy, dystonia, Parkinson’s disease, and other brain and nervous system disorders. 

5. Histamine

Allergies may cause eye twitching. Allergens sometimes irritate the eye and this may result in eye twitching. The natural response to eye twitching is to rub them. When you do, histamine releases into the tissues and causes the eye to twitch.

If you have been a victim of eye twitching, these are the major causes. Reduce your caffeine intake, alcohol and cultivate the habit of seeping well. The eye twitching episodes under normal circumstances should become history.