An eye twitch can be an annoying one-time event, or you might struggle with twitching on an ongoing basis. Most cases of eye twitches are benign, and you can chalk yours up to involuntary muscle contractions that are often linked to misfiring nerves in the brain. Figuring out the underlying cause of your eye twitch is the first step to calming those muscle movements down.

Consider the Possibility of Eye Strain

When you consider how much screen time you get each day, it is no wonder that your eyes might be strained. Eye strain cases are on the rise, and the muscles around your eyelid can start to misfire much like you might feel in other parts of your body if you engage in heavy physical activity. Making sure to give your eyes frequent breaks is usually all it takes to ease the twitching sensations. If you frequently experience eye strain, then it is possible that you could benefit from vision correction that helps your eyes focus better on objects that are either close up or in the distance.

Assess Your Caffeine or Alcohol Intake

Alcohol, caffeine and other stimulants can have an impact on your eye health. If you consume large amounts of caffeine or alcohol, then your eyes may twitch due to the extra stimulation to your nervous system. Brooklyn, NY eye specialists often recommend cutting back on caffeine and alcohol during periods of increased eye twitching. If you are highly sensitive to these substances, then you may need to abstain from using them completely.

Manage Your Stress Levels

Stress contributes to eye twitching in several ways. When you are stressed, the nerves in your brain may be taxed, which can cause them to misfire more often. Stress could also cause you to contract your muscles, which leads to fatigue. During prolonged periods of stress, your sleep might also be disrupted. Being unable to rest the muscles around your eyes overnight can cause excessive twitching. Finding ways to relax can help you sleep better and feel more comfortable during the day.

Check for Inflammatory Eye Conditions

There are times when an eye twitch has a more serious underlying cause. Inflammatory eye conditions, such as uveitis, can irritate the exterior skin and muscles around your eyes. Twitching may also be an involuntary response to irritation and itchiness that accompanies eye health conditions. An eye specialist can provide you with an exam to identify any underlying conditions that require medical treatment. For instance, you might need intravitreal injections to place steroids or other medications in your eye where they’ll be able to help bring down the inflammation.

In most cases, a twitch will go away within a few days. If not, then it might be time to check with an ophthalmologist to make sure there isn’t a more concerning underlying condition. As you prepare for your appointment, take note of any unusual symptoms such as redness or discharge in your eyes that you’ll want to mention to your eye doctor. A thorough eye exam can help you identify the cause of your twitch and find ways to relieve this annoying symptom.