Eye Spasms

Eye spasms or eye twitch is a very common problem that is faced by almost everybody. Mostly, one may experience the bottom eyelid spasms. Sometimes, the top eyelid also twitches. Eye spasms may last from a few seconds to a few minutes. Many times they can even last for more than a few weeks to months. There are many superstitions associated with eye twitching. However, here are the medical causes of the same:

Eye spasms are also referred as eye muscle spasms. The abnormal blinking or involuntary eye twitching of the eyelids, that is due to the uncontrolled contractions of the muscles around the eyelids, is medically called blepharospasm. There are basically three most common types of eyelid spasms. They are as follows:

• Eye Twitch: The minor eye twitching that affects the lower eyelid of one or both eyes is called eye twitch. This is a very common and has no ill effects. The causes in this case is unknown.

• Essential Blepharospasm: This is involuntary eye muscles that effects both eyelids and sometimes the eyebrows. The eyelids close involuntarily and in advance cases the spasms also involve the mouth or neck muscles.

A person cannot see temporarily, as the eyelids close due to the eye spasms. This is a very rare type of eye spasm and the cause in this case is due to abnormal nerve impulses causing muscle spasms.

• Hemifacial Spasms: The hemifacial spasms is a type of eye spasm that affects the eyelids and the muscles around the mouth. The muscles affected are usually on one side of the face. In this case, it is due to an artery pressing on the nerve that passes through the facial muscles. This causes the face to twitch.

There are many other causes of this condition that commonly include:

• Corneal abrasions
• Stress
• Sleep deprivation
• Fatigue
• Eye strain
• Neurological disorders
• Maybe a hereditary condition

They are sometimes a sign of anxiety and the body's way to ask you to relax. They are usually a normal phenomenon and many may vouch that they usually experience this condition before an important occasion or meeting. Eye spasms in children is usually caused due to focusing on a single object for a long time. Therefore, watching the computer screen, video game, or television for a long time may be the causes responsible.

Many times, an excessive intake of caffeine or alcohol may trigger this problem. Elder people experience this condition usually due to dry eyes. People who use the computer most of the day or are taking antihistamines and antidepressants may experience it. Eye irritation due to contact lenses that leads to dry eye may be a reason. A nutritional imbalance like magnesium in your body may also cause it. Eye allergies like itching, swelling, and water eyes are known to cause the same.

Most of the time you won't require any treatment, as this condition is a very general phenomenon. However, in case of a chronic eye spasm, you may require oral medications and botox injections as the treatment. Many people often wonder how to stop eye spasms as although it may not be a serious problem, it is a very annoying condition. Here are some cures, according to the type of eye spasms.

The minor eyelid twitch is never a major problem as it lasts for a few seconds to a couple of minutes. You may try taking a warm soak or reduce stress. You may also be asked to reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake by the ophthalmologist. Many times, eye correction by the use of eye glasses may also solve the problem.

You can try treatment like medication, Botox injections, and surgery in some cases to get rid of blepharospasm. The Botox injection effects last for several months and is believed to be a very successful treatment for this condition.

In some cases, however, there may be some side effects like drooping eyelids, double vision, dry eye, etc. These side effects wear off soon. In case of surgery, the eye surgeon may remove the nerve that is causing the spasm. He/she may also remove the spastic muscles. The results of surgical treatment and side effects, if any are permanent.

The most useful and successful treatment in this case is said to be Botox injections. A surgical procedure involving artery on the nerve may be carried out. This neurosurgical procedure is very fruitful but has many serious complications and side effects involved.

You can easily prevent eye spasms by R&R, that is, relaxation and rest. You can even try some eye twitch remedies and try to stop your eye from twitching. Do not stress yourself out so much that your body has to send out signals to stop and take rest. Make sure you give your eyes ample rest and take good eye care to prevent strain. If you experience a chronic eye spasm problem, visit an eye specialist to help with the condition.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.