An eye muscle twitch, also known as "blepharospasm," is the involuntary contracting of the muscles within the eyelid. This phenomenon is very common and usually benign. Most cases of eye twitching have no known cause, and they generally go away on their own without any particular medical treatment.
One of the most common varieties of eye muscle twitching is benign fasciculation syndrome. This is a condition where the eyelids and other muscles of the body twitch for no known cause. Those with this condition do not have any serious neurological disorder and the twitching eventually subsides, although it often recurs. Sometimes a twitch is triggered by stress.
In those who experience an occasional eye muscle twitch with no additional symptoms, no medical treatment is required. These twitches should not worsen over time and should not accompany any other medical conditions. Additional twitches throughout the body are not generally indicative of a problem when they occur alongside eye twitching, so long as they occur when the offending muscle is at rest and as long as no other symptoms are present.
If eye irritation, vision changes, or soreness occur along with an eye muscle twitch, a doctor should be notified. These things could indicate a problem within the eye itself, or some other medical condition. There are various diseases and conditions which can cause twitching of the muscles, although they are generally accompanied by other neurological symptoms. These can include weakness, slurred speech, confusion, trouble walking, or severe changes in vision or cognitive function.
Any twitches which become severe or which do not subside over time should be investigated further. Although unlikely, occasionally they can indicate a serious disorder. Twitching should not be accompanied by a lazy or weak eyelid. This is an indicator of another condition.
Although usually not serious, a twitching eye muscle can be annoying. Many times it is worsened by stress, anxiety, or other emotional issues. Individuals may be able to lessen the amount of twitching by avoiding stress and finding time to relax when possible. Decreasing caffeine consumption may also alleviate twitching in some individuals.
Twitching can occur on either side of the face or both at the same time. Numbness or additional twitching in the cheeks or mouth do not always indicate a health problem, but they should be checked out. Nerve damage to the facial muscles is the most common issue. If the facial muscles become weak or slack, especially if this happens suddenly, this should be considered a medical emergency.