If you have a lot of twitching of your eyes, you may wonder what causes the problem of eye flickering. Twitching and flickering of the eyes is also known as blepharospasm. This is a condition in which the eyelids move involuntarily. The eyelid may make a movement every few seconds and this may continue for a few minutes, or sometimes even hours. This can be very distracting and uncomfortable, especially because the eye may begin tearing after a point.
Sometimes, the spasms that cause the eyelids to flutter and flicker, may be strong enough to cause the eyes to shut down completely before opening up again. The twitching of the eyes is completely unpredictable and it may come and go for a few days before it completely stops. There is no way to tell when the flickering may stop or when it may happen again. These spasms usually do not hurt, but they may be painful as well. Though it recurs, eye flickering is considered harmless and is definitely not a health concern.
Causes of Eye Flickering
The causes of facial twitching and eye flickering can be many. There are many identifiable causes of eye flickering. However, there is no specific disease or a medical condition which can be associated with this condition. Sometimes the eye flickering may be prolonged due to regular intake of stimulants such as caffeine, sugar and nicotine. Alcohol is another stimulant that could cause the flickering of the eyes. If you are tired and the eyes are fatigues, they may flicker, indicating tiredness. Irritation of the eyelids, both outside and inside the surface of the lids, can be the cause of flickering. Other causes are lack of sleep, over exertion, stress and excessive smoking.
Causes of Chronic Eye flickering
There are many medical causes which are associated with chronic eye flickering. Known as essential blepharospasm, this condition is characterized by rapid and involuntary movement of both the eyelids. The exact cause of this condition is unknown. However, there are some medical conditions which are known to be associated with it. Some of the causes include light sensitivity, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, dry eyes, and nerve disorders and in rare cases, brain disorders as well. Some of the common brain and nerve disorders that cause eye flickering include Bell’s palsy, dystonia, Tourette syndrome, cervical dystonia and Parkinson’s disease.
Complications
Though there are rarely ever any complications associated with eye flickering, sometimes, this slight involuntary flicker of the eyes can be accompanied with facial twitching. When facial spasms occur, more complications can ensue and this can be very painful for the person as well.
Treatment
Usually, you might not need treatment for this condition. No matter what might be the cause of eye flickering, the twitching usually stops on its own in a few days. However, if there is a medical condition associated with the twitching of eyes, you may need to discuss the issue with your doctor. If the twitching does not rectify on its own in a few days, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor and get yourself checked for any kind of nerve or brain disorders.
