We’ve seen it in cartoons, GIFs, and even sitcoms. Eye twitching certainly gets a bad rep and is often incorrectly interpreted as a sign of anger. However, if you’re dealing with this eye issue, you probably know that it is actually quite involuntary. With help from your doctor or optometrist, you can get down to the root cause of the issue and learn how to get rid of an eye twitch. You might need to make lifestyle changes or address another health issue, but in most cases, it is possible to find a solution.
How to Get Rid of an Eye Twitch
Causes of Eye Twitching
The first step of learning how to get rid of an eye twitch involves figuring out the cause. Make an appointment with your optometrist and make sure to ask him or her about what could be causing your eye twitching. A variety of factors can trigger eye twitching:
- Certain medications that treat psychosis and epilepsy can cause muscle spasms, especially in your eyes.
- Stress can affect your body in many ways, and it can even cause your eyelid to involuntarily move.
- If you struggle with insomnia or you’ve been extra busy, fatigue might be the cause of your eye twitching.
- Eyestrain can also be the culprit, so if your prescription is out of date on your glasses or contacts, an update might solve the problem.
- Hyperthyroidism is a less common cause of eye twitching, but if you’re showing other signs of this type of thyroid dysfunction like increased hunger and high body temperature, you should consult with your doctor.
- What you consume has an effect on your overall health, including your eye health. Coffee, alcohol, and junk food can all cause eye twitches. Drinks with alcohol and caffeine have an impact on your nervous system as well, and you need certain nutrients to maintain healthy eye nerves.
- Are you also dealing with a bout of seasonal allergies? Your eye twitches might go away when the pollen does.
Eye Twitching Remedies
If your eye twitching is related to a larger health issue like hyperthyroidism or prescription medications, your optometrist might refer you to a specialist. In the days leading up to your appointment, try implementing some self-care practices:
- Relax and Meditate: Even if you have a busy schedule, try to set aside at least 10-30 minutes a day to relax and reflect. This can look different depending on your personality and preferences. For some people, it might look like an evening watching TV; for others, it could be meditating.
- Upgrade Your Diet: Curing your eye twitch might be as simple as saying no to soda and junk food and yes to water and vegetables.
- Use Eye Drops: You might find that a tiny bottle of soothing eye drops could be your best friend during allergy season.
- Get an Eye Exam: Eye exams are quick and also provide your optometrist with a chance to look for other eye issues.
Are you a visual learner? Check out this infographic for a quick glance at how to get rid of an eye twitch.
Are you looking for an optometrist in southwest Missouri to help with your eye twitching? Visit one of our experienced optometrists at Heffington’s. Since 1975, the Heffington family has been assisting the Springfield community with top-quality eye care and affordable eyeglasses and contacts. One of the unique features of our family-owned business is that we manufacture lenses at our own laboratory, giving us total control over the service and pricing, and we’re happy to pass our savings on to you. To learn more about our products and services, please get in touch with us online, send an e-mail to [email protected], or give us a call at 417-869-3937 (Optiland location) or 417-882-3937 (House of Vision location). We look forward to hearing from you!