Should You Be Concerned About Eye Twitching?
An involuntary eye twitch that happens on occasion is usually not cause for concern. At most, it is a nuisance that goes away. However, if the twitch recurs often and interferes with your vision, there could be an underlying cause that should not be ignored. If you are experiencing eye twitching on a regular basis, here is what you need to know.
What Is Causing the Twitching?
In many instances, the twitching is the result of extreme stress. The twitching will usually disappear when the stressful situation ends. You can also overcome the stress by learning coping techniques, such as yoga or meditation.
If you consume beverages containing caffeine, they might be the cause of the twitching. Caffeine is a stimulant that can manifest in a number of ways, including twitching. A simple solution is to either eliminate the caffeine from your diet or reduce your intake.
In some instances, the eye twitching is the result of eye problems. Some eye problems are easier to resolve than others.
What Eye Problems Can Cause Twitching?
Dry eyes is sometimes to blame for eye twitching. Although dry eyes might seem like a relatively harmless condition, it can develop into a more serious problem if left untreated. If the twitching is from dry eyes, eye drops can potentially alleviate the issue. If it continues, your optometrist can prescribe stronger eye drops to use.
Twitching could also signal eye strain. Eye strain can be caused by a number of factors, including poor eyesight, staring at LED screens, or being outdoors during the daylight without eye protection. An optometrist can prescribe eyeglasses or contacts to wear if your vision is the culprit. You should also limit the amount of time that you use electronics with LED screens and wear eye protection when outdoors.
When Should You See an Optometrist?
If the twitching persists, schedule an appointment with an optometrist. You should also see your optometrist if the twitching is accompanied by other visual problems, such as floaters, double vision, and eye pain.
A more serious condition, such as light sensitivity or blepharitis, can be the cause of the problems. If left untreated, blepharitis can lead to corneal injuries, eyelid problems, and trouble wearing contacts. Light sensitivity is often associated with other eye problems, such as a detached retina.
Work with an optometrist from a clinic like San Anselmo Optometry to find the treatment that is right for your eye twitching. He or she might recommend more than one treatment if the problem is not easily resolved.