Why eyelid blink

Risk Factors Essential blepharospasm usually occurs more commonly in females and at a later age. Tests and Diagnosis These conditions are distinguished by a careful clinical examination.

Treatment and Drugs Eyelid Twitch Minor eyelid twitches require no treatment as they usually resolve spontaneously. Reducing stress, using warm soaks, correction of any refractive error, and lubrication of the eye with artificial tears may help.

Some ophthalmologists recommend reducing caffeine usage. Blepharospasm Blepharospasm can be treated with medications, biofeedback, injection of botulinum toxin, and surgery. Medications and biofeedback are rarely successful in managing blepharospasm. Botulinum toxin injections are now the most commonly recommended treatment for blepharospasm. Injection of botulinum toxin in very small quantities into the muscles around the eyes will stop the spasm.

The injection works for several months but will slowly wear off and usually needs to be repeated 3 to 4 times each year. The treatment is very successful with few side effects. On rare occasions when side effects occur, they include drooping of the eyelids or double vision.

Your upper eyelid is drooping. Your eyelid completely closes each time your eyelids twitch. The twitching continues for several weeks. The twitching begins affecting other parts of your face. How are eyelid twitches treated?

The most common causes of eyelid twitching are stress, fatigue, and caffeine. To ease eye twitching, you might want to try the following: Drink less caffeine. Get adequate sleep. Keep your eye surfaces lubricated with over-the-counter artificial tears or eye drops. Apply a warm compress to your eyes when a spasm begins. How can you prevent eyelid twitches? If your eyelid spasms are happening more frequently, keep a journal and note when they occur.

Written by Kimberly Holland on August 6, Read this next. Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M. Eyelid Inflammation Blepharitis. Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O. Facial Tic Disorder. Medically reviewed by Nancy Hammond, M. Eyelid Disorders. Medically reviewed by University of Illinois.

Hemifacial Spasm. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Essential Tremor. Medically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, M. Home Diseases and Conditions Blepharospasm.

Table of Contents. What is blepharospasm? Symptoms of blepharospasm Symptoms of blepharospasm include repeated, uncontrolled eye twitching or blinking. What causes blepharospasm?

How is blepharospasm diagnosed? Can blepharospasm be prevented or avoided? Blepharospasm treatment There is no cure for blepharospasm. But there are treatments to ease your symptoms. Some injection-type medicines , such as botulinum toxin brand name: Botox , can treat muscle conditions.

These medicines temporarily weaken the muscles of the eyelids. The medicine is injected with a needle under the skin of the eyelid. Some oral medicines may work, but only for a short period of time. Symptoms usually return. A surgical procedure called a myectomy can treat symptoms. This surgery removes some of the muscles and nerves within the eyelid. Living with blepharospasm Blepharospasm is a lifelong disorder. Questions for your doctor Is blepharospasm genetic?

Can blepharospasm be a sign of a brain tumor? Can eye strain cause blepharospasm? Which medicines cause blepharospasm? Does blepharospasm get worse with age? Last Updated: October 5, This article was contributed by: familydoctor. Tags: Eye Problem , neurological condition , uncontrolled blinking.