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While eye twitching is a common complaint and not usually cause for concern, a GP has warned it is sometimes recommended to ‘see a doctor immediately.’ Explaining possible causes of the problem, Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, told the Mirror that eye twitching is an ‘extremely common condition.’
He said: “It’s not usually a cause for concern and has various causes. One main cause is general fatigue caused by a lack of sleep, this can leave eyes overworked, causing twitching. Additionally, stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are two massive contributors towards twitching eyes. This heightened stress can tire eyes out, leading to twitches and spasms. Stimulants such as caffeine can also cause this as the nerves and muscles in the eyelids begin to overwork.”
As such, there are lots of things you can try at home to help prevent eye twitching. “It’s important to limit screen time and avoid long periods on devices without a break, this can quickly strain our eyes which is another prevalent cause of twitching. This is due to eyelid muscles being held tightly for extended periods of time,” the doctor advised.
Additionally, you can help to reduce symptoms if you notice your eyes beginning to twitch, according to the expert. Dr Grant said: “In general, aiming for sufficient rest every night (around 7-9 hours) is so important and helps maintain healthy functioning eyes.
“Avoiding or reducing alcohol and caffeine from diets is another great choice if an individual is suffering from eye twitching, removing any stimulants can help reduce the likelihood of a spasm.” He also recommended over-the-counter treatments such as such as Viscotears Gel. “Viscotears contain the active ingredient carbomer, which is an eye lubricant,” he said.
However, there are some instances when medical attention could be required. Dr Grant said: “If eye twitching continues for longer than two weeks, I’d advise getting them checked out by a GP. Furthermore, if eye twitching evolves into soreness around the eyes or people have difficulty opening and shutting them, seeking urgent medical attention is important for avoiding further damage.”
He added: “Eye twitching is a common symptom related to Parkinson’s disease and therefore I suggest anyone 50 or above experiencing this to see a doctor immediately. This can help with early detection or allow people to find the next best steps to better health.”
If you are over 50 and you experience eye twitching, it does not necessitate that you have Parkinson’s disease. According to the NHS, the main symptoms include tremors, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness. The charity Parkinson’s UK adds that people with Parkinson’s may experience problems with their eyesight, with more information and resources available online.
If you’re concerned you may have symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, you should see your GP, the NHS recommends. You should also see your GP for any other health concerns, including eye twitching.
