What Triggers Blepharospasm?

You’re just hanging out, getting some work done, minding your own business. … And suddenly, your eyelid starts twitching uncontrollably. Confusion sets in — what’s happening? 

Although many people experience eyelid twitching from time to time, it’s not always clear why your eyelids seem to suddenly revolt against you. Blepharospasm — the medical name for eye twitching — is usually harmless, but it can be seriously annoying. 

Preventing blepharospasm is often a matter of avoiding the things that trigger it. Take a moment to learn all about it from Dr. Michael Ragen and Dr. Kyle Huynh of Ventura Eye Institute.

What is blepharospasm?

Blepharospasm is, put simply, involuntary twitching of the eyelid. The twitches can be small or severe, and they may happen spontaneously or at regular intervals. Some people experience a gradual increase in the frequency and severity of twitches, while other people experience a sudden onset of intense twitching. 

True blepharospasm (benign essential blepharospasm) is a movement disorder that affects the muscles around your eyelid. However, many people experience eyelid twitching as a symptom of another disorder, illness, or temporary condition. 

Causes of blepharospasm

Because true blepharospasm doesn’t necessarily need a trigger to occur, problems with your facial muscles can cause eyelid twitching seemingly out of nowhere. 

Eyelid twitching that is not associated with a disease or medical condition can arise from a number of factors in an otherwise healthy person, such as: 

• Severe lack of sleep
• Dehydration
• Excess caffeine
• Alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Stress or anxiety
• Environmental irritants, such as dust or wind
• Bright sunlight
• Eyestrain
• Irritation or inflammation of the inner eyelid

Some medical conditions have been linked to blepharospasm, too, including: 

• Allergies
• Dry eye
• Light sensitivity
• Corneal abrasion (scratched cornea)
• Blepharitis
• Uveitis

Eye twitching may also be the side effect of some medications, or, very rarely, the symptom of a neurological, brain, or muscular disorder, such as Bell’s palsy. 

Treatments for blepharospasm

There’s no known cure for blepharospasm, but there are ways to manage the condition and reduce symptoms. One popular and effective method for treating blepharospasm is with Botox® — that’s right, it’s not just for cosmetic purposes! Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles around your eyelids, preventing them from twitching. 

To learn more about blepharospasm and treatments, schedule a consultation appointment at Ventura Eye Institute. Call our Camarillo, California, office at 805-250-9723 or book your appointment online. You can also send the team a message here on the website.