Table of contents:
- What are the causes of eye twitching?
- 1. Myochemical orbicularis
- 2. Blefarospasm
- 3. Tourette's Syndrome
- 4. Disturbances in electrolyte levels
- So, is eye twitching dangerous?
Have you had eye twitching? Sometimes, eye twitching can interfere with your daily activities due to discomfort. So, is this condition normal or not? Do I have to see a doctor so that the twitching stops? To answer this, first identify what are the common causes of eye twitching. Check out a more complete explanation in the article below.
What are the causes of eye twitching?
1. Myochemical orbicularis
Orbicular myocomia is a condition in which there is a sudden and constant twitch of the eye. Generally, twitching only occurs on one side of the eye and is more common in the lower eyelid area.
Twitches will not be too obvious to other people, but will be annoying by those who experience it. This type of twitching is harmless and usually goes away on its own. However, you can try to pull a little bit of the twitching eyelid to reduce the twitching symptoms you feel.
If this happens a lot, try to manage stress and reduce your coffee and alcohol consumption as these types of twitching are often exacerbated by these.
2. Blefarospasm
In contrast to orbicularis myochemistry, which usually affects only one side of the eye, blepharospasm often affects both eyes at once. The twitching of the eye that is felt is not accompanied by pain and more often affects the upper eyelid.
Generally, twitching will only last for seconds to 1-2 minutes, so it's not dangerous. However, if the twitching lasts longer (hours to weeks) or it causes your eyes to close completely, you will need to have your eyes checked by a doctor to rule out eye infections, dry eye conditions, or other abnormalities in the facial nerve pathways..
3. Tourette's Syndrome
Unlike the two types of twitching causes above, which can go away on their own, twitching due to Tourette's syndrome cannot be stopped. You can only reduce the symptoms.
Eye twitching, often discovered from an early age, is associated not only with twitching in the eye area, but also with other disorders. For example, sudden movements or jerks of limbs or making uncontrollable sounds.
This condition is related to abnormalities in the nervous system so that it requires further treatment by a neurologist.
4. Disturbances in electrolyte levels
Electrolyte disturbances in the body can be in the form of electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and others) that are too high or too low.
Generally a decrease in potassium levels causes weakness in the muscles of the limbs and also the appearance of eye twitching or twitching in small muscles in other areas of the body such as fingers. Reduced potassium levels in the body can happen to those of you who have diarrhea, vomiting, or have extensive burns.
Therefore, thorough handling and examination are needed to overcome the twitching and also the muscle weakness that is felt.
So, is eye twitching dangerous?
Broadly speaking, a brief twitching in the eye area that is not accompanied by abnormalities in other parts of the body is a condition that does not endanger health.
However, twitching in the eye area accompanied by disturbances in other parts of the body requires special attention because it may be a sign of danger. Do not delay to see your doctor if the eye twitching bothers you or if you have certain concerns.
