People can experience tics or twitches at any age. These are involuntary movements of muscles that often are very spasm like. They can occur anywhere on the body, but are commonly seen in facial muscles like the eyelid. Generally these tics and twitches are temporary and will resolve themselves in a matter of days or hours. However, in some cases they can be a result of a tic disorder. Let’s learn more about one common tic disorder, involuntary eye twitching in children.
List of causes of Eyelid twitch and Occasional eye irritation, alternative diagnoses, rare causes, misdiagnoses, patient stories, and much more.
The Difference between Tics and Twitches
Tics and twitches are not the same, although these two terms are commonly used interchangeably. Tics are not involuntary eye movements, rather they are unvoluntary. This means that a person with a tic may be able to suppress the tic for a period of time with some level of discomfort. Twitches on the other hand are involuntary. They cannot be controlled or suppressed. Tics generally occur in a series of multiple movements while twitches are often a singular involuntary muscle spasm.
Involuntary spasms of the eye are called myokymia and are directed primarily to the upper eyelid. They are completely unpredictable and typically last from a few seconds to several minutes. In rare cases, they can last up to a full month. An eye twitch is painless and usually resolves on its own, so it doesn’t require any special treatment. Twitches are usually nothing to worry about. Most people get twitches from time to time. They're often linked to: stress and anxiety; tiredness and exhaustion; drinking caffeine or alcohol; some medicines – check the side effects on the packet or leaflet; They can affect any part of the body. Twitches in the eyes or legs are particularly common. Eyelid twitching may be triggered by: Alcohol intake Bright light Caffeine excess Fatigue Irritation of the eye surface or inner eyelids Smoking Stress Wind or air pollution.
How Common Are Tics and Twitches in Children?
Tics and twitches can occur at any age, but are most commonly seen in children. It is estimated that 25% of children experience some sort of tic. They are three times more common in boys than in girls. Tics can be brought on by stress and sleep deprivation, but the underlying cause for them is unknown. Tics are more commonly found in children while twitches are seen more commonly in adults. Your doctor can help you to determine if your child’s eye twitching is a result of a tic or a twitch and can help you to determine what treatment options will be the most effective.
Eye Twitching- What Is It?
Eye twitching occurs when the eyelid moves involuntarily. Eyelid tics and twitches are very common. Most people that experience eye twitching notice that the bottom eyelid is affected more often than their top eyelid, although either can occur. Twitching is generally temporary and can last for hours, days and sometimes even weeks or months.
The exact causes of eye twitching are unknown, but research suggests that certain factors can make lead to a higher occurrence of twitching, especially in those that are susceptible to the condition. In children these often include stress, lack of sleep, eye strain, caffeine consumption, nutrient deficiencies or allergies. Learning what brings on eye twitching in your child can help to lessen their occurrence. Most of the time eye twitching isn’t serious and doesn’t cause any problems other than being a source of irritation.
Treatment of Eye Tics in Children
Most of the time eye tics in children should not be cause for concern. They often only occur occasionally and do not interfere with everyday life. Most childhood tics will resolve themselves in time. If a child has a short term childhood tic disorder, like eye twitching, treatment is not needed. It is important not to call attention to the tic as this can make it worse. Reducing stress and eliminating those triggers that can make the tic worse can also be effective. If the eyelid twitching is interfering with daily life a doctor may be able to prescribe medication that can reduce the tic.
If you do need to see a doctor about your child’s eyelid twitching it is important to have information available so that the doctor can properly understand the condition for a proper diagnosis. Your doctor may want to know information like the child’s age when the tic first appeared, how long the twitches last and how severe they are.
If treatment is needed it will probably consist of behavioral therapy, medication or a combination of these two treatment options. Behavioral therapy focuses on finding ways to control the tic or twitch and medication is used to reduce the frequency of eye twitching. Treatment may enhance quality of life, but rarely eliminates the problem.
What Would Make Your Eye Twitch
Eye twitching in children is common and is generally not a cause for concern. Most of the time this condition is temporary and will not cause any long term problems. When eye twitching is interfering with daily life a doctor may be able to help lessen the frequency and severity of the twitching. Always talk with your doctor if eye twitching is making it difficult for your child to see or it is interfering with daily life.
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Many people experience occasional eye twitching. Consistent twitching, while annoying, can also impact your daily activities. The good news is that with some minor changes to your daily routine, you can easily relieve eye twitching. These changes will not only help alleviate your twitches but improve your overall eye health.
What Causes Eye Twitching?
According to Mayo Clinic, most occurrences of eye twitching are not life-threatening or even cause for concern.
Here are the most common habits that cause eyelid twitches and facial spasms:
- Reading too much or working long hours on the computer
- Lack of sleep
- Excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption
- If this sounds familiar, keep reading for some simple solutions.
Treatment Options for Eye Twitching
Some of these solutions are easier than others, but they are all important in increasing your overall wellness, in addition to reducing the frequency of eye twitches.
1. Change Your Routine
If you work in an industry where a large portion of your day requires you to sit in front of a computer or read extensively, consider taking a short break from your work every hour.
Frequent twitches can signal the onset of eye strain. Taking a walk around the office to relax your eyes will prevent eye strain and reduce the occurrence of eyelid spasms.
Stress and lack of sleep are common in high-stress lifestyles. Adding stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation to your daily routine can reduce stress and increase your ability to achieve restful sleep and prevent eyelid twitches.
2. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine
While it is common to indulge in a cup of coffee or the occasional alcoholic beverage, frequent and prolonged consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated stimulants can increase the frequency of eye twitches.
You should consider reducing your intake of these substances if you consume more than three cups of coffee or alcohol daily.
3. Schedule an Eye Exam
If you have tried to treat your eye twitches, and relief continues to elude you, schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist. Further investigation may also reveal that you need a stronger corrective lens prescription.
There are many over-the-counter and prescription eye treatments that can quickly alleviate your twitches.
Under Eye Twitch
When Eye Twitching is Serious
If these treatment options are ineffective, your eye twitching may be a symptom of something more serious, and the ophthalmologists at Specialty Eye Institute can help.
Serious conditions like blepharitis, or clogging of the eyelash oil ducts, can be painful and should be treated with medication to prevent permanent complications. Similarly, other conditions like chronic dry eye and light sensitivity can occur at any age, and an ophthalmologist will create a personalized treatment plan to relieve your symptoms.
If you experience eye twitching and headaches, your twitches increase in intensity and last for more than a few days, or treatment does not stop the condition, contact your ophthalmologist immediately because this can be a sign of a degenerative eye disease or neurological condition.
The most important rule for treating eye twitching is to monitor your overall eye health and continue to visit your ophthalmologist every year because your eye twitching is a reminder to manage your physical health as well as your daily habits.