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Twitching Eyelids

Most of us have noticed a “twitching” in our eyelids at one time or another. This can be annoying and sometimes embarrassing but the good news is it usually not serious. The clinical term for this condition is myokymia.

The most common causes of a “twitching” lid are stress, tiredness or dry eyes. Most people find the nerve twitching will disappear when stress is relieved or after catching up on sleep. Artificial tears drops may also help.

Two other conditions that can cause eyelid twitching are benign essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm. Benign essential blepharospasm is a condition manifesting as uncontrolled blinking, twitching, or closure of the eyelids. It always involves both eyes and may make driving and reading difficult.

Hemifacial spasm results in uncontrolled blinking and twitching of the entire side of the face. It involves only one side of the face unlike benign essential blepharospasm. Both of these conditions require further evaluation by an ophthalmologist. They can often be treated with Botox injections.

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Kalamazoo Ophthalmology

3412 West Centre Street
Portage, MI 49024