Eye Twitching (Eyelid Myokymia): Causes and How to Stop It
Quick answer: Eye twitching is usually eyelid myokymia: small, repeated, harmless spasms of the lower or upper eyelid muscle. Common triggers are stress, poor sleep, caffeine, alcohol, dry eyes and long screen use. It normally settles within days to a few weeks once triggers are reduced. See a doctor if it lasts more than a few weeks, closes the eye fully, or spreads to other parts of the face.
Noticed this in your own eyes? Book an eye examination (NPR 400) with an optometrist at Vision Concern Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal or Makalbari. WhatsApp +977 9841466716.
Related service: Digital eye-strain assessment at Vision Concern Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal and Makalbari.
What causes eyelid twitching
- Stress and anxiety
- Lack of sleep or fatigue
- Too much caffeine or alcohol
- Dry eyes or eye irritation
- Eye strain from screens or an outdated prescription
- Some medicines
How to stop it
- Get more regular sleep
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
- Take screen breaks using the 20-20-20 rule
- Use lubricating drops if your eyes feel dry
- Apply a warm compress to the eyelid
- Have your eyes tested if you struggle to focus
Conditions that look similar
Benign essential blepharospasm causes both eyes to blink or close forcefully. Hemifacial spasm causes twitching of the eyelid together with the cheek or mouth on one side. These need medical assessment and can be treated by a doctor.
When to get urgent care
See a doctor promptly if the eyelid closes completely, twitching spreads to the face, there is drooping, redness, swelling or discharge, or it lasts longer than about three weeks.
How Vision Concern can help
Vision Concern optometrists in Kathmandu can examine your eyes, record what they find for comparison, update your glasses or contact lenses, and refer you to an ophthalmologist or eye hospital when medical treatment is needed. Vision Concern does not perform surgery or injections.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my left eye twitching?
Twitching in one eye is usually myokymia and has the same causes on either side: stress, fatigue, caffeine and eye strain.
Can wrong glasses cause eye twitching?
Eye strain from an outdated prescription can contribute, so an eye test is worthwhile if twitching comes with blur or tired eyes.
How long does eye twitching last?
Most episodes last a few days to a few weeks and stop once triggers are reduced.
This guide is general information from the Vision Concern editorial team. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an eye examination or medical advice.
Yes. Many visitors, particularly from Bangladesh and West Bengal (Kolkata), come to Nepal for cataract, retina, or other eye surgery at a hospital and also want new glasses, a general eye exam, or contact lenses at the same time, before or after their procedure. Vision Concern is an optical and eye-examination clinic, not a surgical hospital, so we work alongside hospitals such as Tilganga: we are happy to see you for glasses, contact lenses, or a routine check-up either side of your surgical treatment elsewhere.
No conversion is needed. Eyeglass prescriptions from Germany, France, the UK, the USA, China, Russia, and almost every other country use the same international format, SPH (sphere), CYL (cylinder), and AXIS, measured in diopters. Our opticians read this directly, so you can bring your prescription paper, a photo of it on your phone, or simply your current glasses, and we will use the same values. If your prescription is more than a year or two old, we recommend a quick, free re-check before we make your new pair.
Yes. Above roughly 3,000 metres, UV exposure increases sharply because of the thinner atmosphere and reflection off snow, and ordinary sunglasses (category 2-3) do not block enough UV to prevent snow blindness (photokeratitis). We recommend glacier glasses or category-4 sunglasses with side shields, and can fit these with your own prescription if needed. Vision Concern offers ZEISS polarized, UV400-certified sunglasses with prescription lenses, which we can prepare before you set off on your trek.