Photo of Akhona Ndlela

The surprising causes of eye twitching, when to worry

I am sure we have all heard of aunties saying if your right eye twitches, it means you will see someone that you have not seen in a while and if your left eye twitches then you will see someone that you do not wish to see.

As odd as it may sound, we believe it. However, there are health reasons or possible causes of your eye twitching according to the experts below:

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Eye twitching is an uncontrollable type of movement of your eye, the muscles in your eyelid or parts of your face immediately around your eye. In many cases, eye twitching is normal, and it’s something everyone experiences.”

The clinic also states that some of the factors that cause your eyes to twitch include anxiety or stress, exhaustion or lack of sleep, and stimulants, such as coffee.

The health-focused publication Healthline claims that eye twitching can be a symptom of a more serious condition, which includes:

  • Following a viral illness such as the flu or a cold, Bell’s palsy affects the muscles in your face, especially your eyelids.
  • Dystonia can affect your eyes and cause your muscles to spasm. You might discover that this problem gets worse when you’re stressed or exhausted, or while you’re doing specific activities.
  • One of the symptoms of Tourette syndrome could be an inability to control muscle movements.

“Eyelid or eye twitching that lasts more than a few days or that occurs with other symptoms is an indication to speak with a doctor. You should also speak with a doctor if you cannot control your eyelid or experience irritation around the eye,” the health hub further explains.

 

Also see: Foods that help boost brain activity during exams

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