Left eye twitches why

A twitch usually occurs in the upper lid, but it can occur in both the upper and lower lids. Others may experience a spasm strong enough to force both eyelids to close completely. This is a different condition called blepharospasm. Episodes of eyelid twitching are unpredictable.

The twitch may occur off and on for several days. Then, you may not experience any twitching for weeks or even months. The twitches are painless and harmless, but they may bother you. Most spasms will resolve on their own without the need for treatment. In rare cases, eyelid spasms may be an early warning sign of a chronic movement disorder, especially if the spasms are accompanied by other facial twitches or uncontrollable movements.

Eyelid spasms may occur without any identifiable cause. This condition typically affects both eyes. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but the following may make spasms worse:. According to Genetics Home Reference , it affects approximately 50, Americans and usually develops in middle to late adulthood. If you think you have an eye injury, see your optometrist or ophthalmologist immediately. Corneal scratches can cause permanent eye damage. Eyelid twitches are rarely serious enough to require emergency medical treatment.

However, chronic eyelid spasms may be a symptom of a more serious brain or nervous system disorder. Most eyelid spasms go away without treatment in a few days or weeks. Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Members Members. Eyewear and Wellness.

Ask an Eye Doctor. Why is My Eye Twitching? Causes of Eye Twitching Most people will develop some type of minor eyelid twitch in their lifetime, as there are a variety of external factors that can account for twitching eyes. Treatment for Eye Twitching If you feel your eyes begin to twitch, take a look at your recent lifestyle choices. Twitching lasting longer than 72 hours, that completely closes an eyelid Spasms that involve other facial muscles Redness, swelling, or discharge from an eye or a droopy upper eyelid This article was reviewed by Dr.

Contact Contact Us. Call Member Services. For example, in a collection of West Indian beliefs and superstitions Basil Matthews discusses the Caniteel in Trinidad: a particular hour on a particular day between July 15th and August 15th during which any plants planted will fail to grow No one knows for sure when the day or the hour actually occurs.

What they do know is that generally what happens is that during this period worms eat the heart of the plant.

Trinidadian farmers view this period as a bad time. Many avoid planting on July 15th, and then plant on alternate days hoping to avoid the Caniteel. Some avoid planting altogether during this period. The farmers have connected a real event the activity of the worms with a superstition don't plant, this period is bad.

The same may be the case for eye jumping. The phenomena is largely harmless, but appears to be poorly understood by science. It is officially classified as benign essential blepharospasm BEB , a phenomenon that can be disruptive in severe cases causing functional blindness:. Celeste Robb-Nicholson advises a writer of ways to cope with "eyelid twitching":.

Even in the less severe form, eye jumping can still be disruptive or at the very least, irritating , marked by a fluttering sensation in the eyelid, twitching of the eye, or the repeated closing and reopening of the eyelid. And it can last anywhere from minutes to hours or can occur intermittently over the course of several days.

Perhaps its disruptiveness has contributed to its role in superstition. Let's consider the following:. So for example, if they are anticipating speaking to a relative who has missed a telephone call, the anticipation may turn to worry and as a result experience BEB as a stress response.

When the relative finally calls, the afflicted person may recall that their eye jumped and connect the two. This may also explain the fluidity between assigning events to the eyes. Superstitions, however you view them, can be a source of comfort. They offer a way to take control of a situation and in this case to reaffirm ties—note that the eye jumping superstition is connected to loved ones.

They can become deeply ingrained. When my eye jumps, I'm inclined to tell myself quite seriously to just "quit it.

Positive or negative events following a left or right eye twitch is purely coincidental. Eye twitches are often mild and stop on their own after a few hours or days. Because of this, medical attention is rarely needed for an eye twitch unless:. The twitch is strong enough to cause your eye to close completely or make your eye difficult to open. The presence of other symptoms could indicate a more serious issue. Home Conditions Eye Twitching » Meaning. By Autumn Sprabary.