Doctor reveals why your eye keeps twitching and what you should do to stop it
Topics: Advice, Health, Life, Mental Health, Sleep
Rhiannon Ingle
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Advice, Health, Life, Mental Health, Sleep
Ever just been going about your day as usual only to be met with an impossible to ignore twitching sensation in your eye?
Whether you're scrolling on TikTok, making a brew in the office or even waiting to be served at a bar on a night out, it's pretty disconcerting when, all of a sudden, an uncontrollable twitch seems to completely take over your peepers.
Well, it's clearly a thing many of us experience so, to help shed light on the bizarre bodily phenomenon, one doctor has revealed all you need to know about why your eye keeps twitching and what you should do to stop it.
According to Dr Claire Merrifield, GP and medical director at Selph comments, eye twitching is 'harmless and temporary' in most cases.
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However, she warns, if it persists for an extended period or is accompanied by other symptoms, it's best to speak to your GP.
Eye twitching, also known as eyelid spasms or blepharospasm, can have a number of causes.
The doctor tells Tyla: "Most commonly, stress and fatigue can cause your eyes to twitch.
"Eyelid muscles can fatigue quickly, in fact they are one of the first parts of the body to show signs of fatigue."
The eyelids are 'very sensitive muscles', so not getting enough sleep can disrupt them which can, in turn, result in a twitch.
If you are particularly stressed, this can also lead to eye spasms.
Dr Merrifield says that excess caffeine and alcohol can make eyelid twitching worse.
"Another reason can be a result of your eyelid muscles being strained, which is more often than not a result of prolonged screen time," she warns.
In order to combat this, try to take regular breaks from your screen if you work at a computer. Investing in some blue light blocking glasses might also help.
Allergies which affect the eye area can also trigger dry and itchy eyes, which can lead to eye twitching too.
According to the expert, magnesium deficiency can lead to eye twitches too. "Magnesium helps to regulate your muscles and nerve function," Dr Merrifield tell us.
"When magnesium levels are low, nerves can send incorrect signals to muscles, which can lead to muscle contractions, such as eye twitching."
If you're looking to increase your magnesium intake, you can start with eating foods that are naturally high in it, such as nuts and seeds, and 'legumes such as black beans and edamame beans'.
Adding that to my shopping list as we speak!