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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffAnyone can have an eye twitch from time to time without an identifiable cause, such as a disease or condition. Occasionally, a cause for eye twitching can be identified. In those cases, eyelid spasms may be associated with or prolonged by:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Fatigue
- Irritation of the eye surface or inner eyelids
- Lack of sleep
- Physical exertion
- Smoking
- Stress
Chronic, uncontrollable eyelid movement affecting both eyes is known as benign essential blepharospasm. Although its exact cause is unknown, the following conditions often precede or accompany benign essential blepharospasm:
- Blepharitis
- Dry eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Very rarely, eye twitch may be a sign of certain brain and nerve disorders. When it is, it's almost always accompanied by other signs and symptoms. Brain and nerve disorders that can cause eye twitch include:
- Bell's palsy
- Cervical dystonia (a separate type of dystonia sometimes accompanied by blepharospasm)
- Dystonia
- Parkinsonism: Causes and coping strategies
- Side effects of drugs, particularly medications used to treat epilepsy and psychosis
- Tourette syndrome
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
- Comella C, et al. Classification and evaluation of dystonia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 28, 2010.
- Ben Simon GJ, et al. Benign essential blepharospasm. International Ophthalmology Clinics. 2005;45:49.
- Ronthal M, et al. Bell's palsey: Prognosis and treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 28, 2010.
- Martino D, et al. Relationship between eye symptoms and blepharospasm: A multicenter case-control study. Movement Disorders. 2005;20:1564.
- Tsary D, et al. Dystonia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2008;355:818.
- Chou KL, et al. Clinical manifestations of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 29, 2010.
- Jankovic J, et al. Tourette syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 29, 2010.
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