My upper eyelid has been twitching for about a week and a half. This kind of thing has happened before, but usually stops after a few minutes|hours. I'm starting to get worried, and it's really annoying also. Am I jumping the gun, or should I be worried. (I wear corrective glasses, and have had no other eye problems)
Answered by Richard E. Gans, M. D.
This is usually a problem called eyelid myokymia and is usually of no great concern. The nerve that supplies the muscles which control the eyelids becomes irritable for some reason. It fires nerve impulses irratically, causing the muscle of the eyelid to twitch. It is often brought on by stress or fatigue. Usually it resolves within days to weeks without treatment.
In a much more severe form, severe muscle spasms of the eyelid can obstruct vision and distort facial features. This is a condition called blepharospasm. Severe forms may require medical or surgical treatment.
If the condition persists, you should consult an ophthalmologist.
PLEASE NOTE: The information contained on this system is not intended to supplant individual professional consultation, but is offered as a community education service. Advice on individual problems should be obtained directly from a professional.
Copyright, 1994. Richard E. Gans, M.D.
Last Modified: August 23, 1996