Eye twitching can be an amusing, occasional nuisance and cause embarrassment which can be symptoms of chronic eye movement disorder. It is a repetitive eyelid movement usually the upper lid. It happens every second. In addition, it usually last for days to months and spontaneously heals on its own.
Eye twitching is linked to conditions such as entropion, a condition where there is sensitivity to light; conjunctivitis or pink eye; uveris; trichiasis and disorders of the nervous system.
Possible cause of eye twitching
- Lack of sleep
- Physical exertion
- Irritation of the eye/eyelids
- Consumption of caffeine and alcohol
- Apply warm compress on the affected eye/eyes to stop involuntary movements of the area. Soak a clean face towel in warm water, wring out excess water and put the face towel on the area until it becomes cool. Repeat the procedure at least 5-6 times every day to lessen the pain and the inflammation.
- Use hydrotherapy techniques by alternately splashing cold and warm water on closed eyes. The coldness of the water will tighten the blood vessels and the warm water dilates the vessels. Hydrotherapy techniques help in the proper flow of blood in the affected eye and lessen the twitching. Another alternative is running a wet ice cubes over the eyelid before splashing warm water for at least 7-8 times every day.
- Apply gentle pressure on the affected muscles in the eyes. Using the index and ring finger, press the bone around the socket of the eye and press the affected eyelid with the eyelid between the two fingers and the bone of the eye socket. Remain in this position for at least 5 seconds and then release for 5 seconds. Repeat the process at least 5 times several times every day.
- Inhaling steam lessens the movement of the nerve and eliminates dirt from the pores of skin. In a bowl filled with hot water add a few drops of eucalyptus. Cover the head with a towel and make sure the bowl is also covered by the towel and inhale the steam for at least 10 minutes every day.
- Perform exercises for the eyes. Close the eyes very tightly and then open them very wide. Repeat the process until the eyes produce tears and rest the eyelids. Another exercise is blinking very fast for about 20 seconds take a break and then repeats again the blinking. It lubricates and relaxes the muscles of the eyes. It also removes any dirt present in the eye.
- Close the eyelid halfway down for at least 30 seconds, to keep muscle strong, become hydrated and stop eye twitching.
- Perform breathing exercises such as yoga or meditation for at least 10 minutes every day before going to bed at night and after waking up in the morning to lessen the stress and eventually stop eye twitching problems.
- Drink plenty of water at least 8-10 glasses every day to prevent dehydration.
- Get plenty of sleep at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.