Why do the eyelids tremble and what is the treatment?

It is very annoying and disturbing when the eyelid begins to twitch, especially when you are in a conversation with another person. it can happen to you after having little sleep (5 hours or less) and having had your third coffee in the morning.

That strange contraction that generally occurs in the lower eyelid, although it can also occur in the upper eyelid, is known as eyelid myokymia. In most cases it lasts a few seconds or minutes and resolves on its own.

What are the causes of tremors in the eyelids?

Usually, eyelid tremors or myokymias They are triggered by stress, lack of sleep, having drunk alcohol or caffeine. It can also be the side effect of some medications, such as some indicated against migraine.

Contraction occurs when the orbicularis oculi, the muscle responsible for opening and closing the eyelids, begins to contract spontaneously. It occurs most often on the lower eyelid, in one eye at a time, and is usually not painful.

Once the spasms start, they may continue intermittently for a few days.

Another type of tremor is blepharospasm, which can cause involuntary and complete closure of the eyelid, excessive blinking or other movements of the eyelids. It also occurs due to a contraction of the orbicularis oculi and may involve other muscles of the forehead.

More serious is the hemifacial Spasm, a neuromuscular disorder involving involuntary twitching and jerks in
one side of the face. It can affect the eye, eyebrows, lips, mouth, and neck.

What are the treatments for eye tremors?

Myokymia of the eyelids does not usually require treatment and usually goes away on its own. However, it may help to reduce potential triggers, such as caffeine, alcohol, spending too much time in front of a computer or mobile screen, getting little sleep, or being stressed.

For quick relief from eye twitching, apply a warm compress on the upper eyelid area to relax the muscles around the eye. You can also put on a few lubricating drops.

In cases of blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm that do not stop or recur, the botox injections (botulinum toxin) can prevent facial muscles from contracting.

For blepharospasm that is made worse by bright light, the use of polarized lenses It can be useful. In severe hemifacial cases, surgery is sometimes necessary to relieve pressure on the affected nerves.

When a tremor is worrisome

If the tremor does not disappear in a few days, it is necessary to see a doctor in case it could indicate the existence of a underlying disorder, especially if other symptoms occur, such as vision disturbances, weakness, difficulty moving, or loss of sensation in the area.

See your primary care doctor or ophthalmologist if:

The tremors do not go away after a week. The contractions close the eyelid completely. The contractions affect other parts of the face. The eye is red or swollen. The upper eyelid “droops.”