Eyelid twitching (myokymia) is a spontaneous contraction of the upper or lower eyelids. Patients usually come in at first annoyed as well as slightly concerned of its presentation. A normal examination will include a full medical and social history of the patient. Then proper external examination of the eyes including several diagnostic testing for irritants, infections, allergies, and dry eye signs will be looked it.
The underlying cause eyelid myokymia is not very well understood. The event is most likely nerve fibers within the eyelid muscle caught in a spasm. Possible precipitating factors include stress, anxiety, fatigue, and excessive caffeine or alcohol intake. Dry eye syndrome (linked to several risk factors) and contact lens side effects are also a possible cause. Fortunately some of these factors can be dealt with and treated with your eye doctor, and possibly calming the eyelid twitching.
Lid myokymia most often is benign and self-limiting. It is important to have a it looked at by a competent eye doctor. If you are in the Los Angeles area, Dr. Fouad Melamed is a licensed optometrist and accepts your medical health insurance with your regular office copay to have a full look at your eyelid twitching.
