Eye twitching is an involuntary movement that can be harmless or signify a more serious condition, such as multiple sclerosis. If twitching occurs for more than a few days, it is important to speak with a doctor.

It is common for your eye or eyelid to twitch every now and then. You might experience eye or eyelid twitching if you’re:

  • tired
  • stressed
  • overcaffeinated

However, in some instances, twitching can be an early symptom of a more serious condition, such as a neurological disorder.

Learn more about when eye twitching may be harmless and when to consider speaking with a doctor.

Eyelid or eye twitching that lasts more than a few days or that occurs with other symptoms is an indication to speak with a doctor. You should also speak with a doctor if you cannot control your eyelid or experience irritation around the eye.

Neglecting to diagnose a lasting eye twitch could result in structural damage to your eye or the worsening of symptoms associated with another more serious condition. A doctor can help you by:

  • conducting an exam
  • asking you about your symptoms
  • possibly ordering more tests

Some tests may include a CT scan or an MRI. The doctor may also refer you to a specialist like an eye doctor or neurologist.

When to worry about eye twitching in kids

You should reach out to a doctor for the same reasons you would call a doctor for eye or eyelid twitching in an adult. These include:

  • prolonged twitching
  • inability to control or close the eyelid all the way
  • irritation near or around the eyes

Sometimes, eye or eyelid twitching can be a symptom of a more serious condition. Many conditions that cause twitching or spasming may affect your neurological system or muscles.

Here are some underlying conditions that may cause twitching in your eyes or eyelids.

Bell’s palsy

Bell’s palsy affects your facial muscles (including in your eyelids) after a viral illness like a cold or the flu. The symptoms can appear suddenly and may include paralysis on one side of your face.

Eye twitching may appear after Bell’s palsy. Although it usually resolves on its own, it’s important to speak with a doctor about your symptoms for a proper diagnosis.

Cervical dystonia

Cervical dystonia affects your neck and head muscles. It is a chronic neurological condition that causes your neck muscles to contract into unusual positions regularly or more sporadically.

Cervical dystonia can be painful and also cause symptoms like:

  • head tremors
  • raised shoulders
  • headaches

There is currently no cure for cervical dystonia. But a doctor may recommend treating it with:

  • medications, such as botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections
  • surgery
  • physical therapy

Dystonia

Dystonia causes your muscles to spasm and can affect your eyes. You may find that this condition worsens, during certain activities, or when you feel stressed or tired.

Dystonia may start in just 1 muscle and then move to others and get worse with time. It may also occur along with a neurological condition.

There is no cure yet for dystonia, but a doctor may recommend the following treatments:

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

MS is a chronic condition when your immune system attacks your nerves. It affects the way your brain communicates with your body. MS can cause symptoms, such that come and go or get worse with time. These include:

  • muscle twitching and tremors
  • muscle weakness
  • fatigue
  • numbness
  • cognitive changes
  • eye pain
  • double and blurred vision

Right now, there is no cure available for MS, but a treatment plan typically includes:

  • healthy lifestyle habits
  • taking medications, such as interferon beta medications
  • other therapies

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a brain condition that gets progressively worse over time and eventually interferes with your daily activities. It begins with minor symptoms like changes to your handwriting or voice. You may then:

  • develop tremors
  • have muscle stiffness
  • experience slowing movements
  • have difficulty balancing

Changes in your facial expressions can be a symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Late stages of Parkinson’s disease may result in an inability to walk without assistance. Treating Parkinson’s involves:

  • medications, such as dopamine agonists and MAO-B inhibitors
  • therapies
  • potential surgery
  • healthy lifestyle habits

Tourette syndrome

An inability to control muscle movements may be a symptom of Tourette syndrome. This neurological condition causes repeated, involuntary physical movements or tics and uncontrolled vocal expressions.

One tic associated with Tourette syndrome is blinking, but other tics may include:

  • clearing your throat
  • moving your head
  • sniffing
  • making other facial expressions

The tics can become worse if you feel stressed or anxious. There is no known cause of Tourette syndrome, and there’s currently no cure. However, a doctor may recommend:

  • behavioral therapy
  • medications, such as dopamine antagonists
  • other treatments

Hemifacial spasm

Hemifacial spasms are muscle twitches on your face. These occur because of a change to your seventh cranial nerve. These spasms may begin in one place, like your eyelids, but they may get worse and affect other facial features with time. This can feel irritating or distracting.

Hemifacial spasms can also affect your hearing or cause pain in your ear. To minimize twitches, a doctor may recommend:

  • medications, such as anticonvulsants
  • therapy
  • home-based treatments

Benign essential blepharospasm

Benign essential blepharospasm is a rare neurological condition that specifically affects the eyes and can worsen over time. Early symptoms may include light sensitivity and difficulty keeping your eyes open.

A doctor may recommend medications, such as botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, to treat the condition. Surgery may be required in severe cases.

Myasthenia gravis

This neuromuscular condition may be caused by an autoimmune condition. It results in your muscles getting weaker and having less control over them. Some symptoms include:

  • your eyes occasionally fluttering or twitching
  • a drooping eyelid
  • seeing double

You may also experience:

  • difficulty controlling your muscles
  • challenges talking
  • fatigue
  • breathing difficulties

Symptoms can come and go, and change in their severity. Treatments include:

  • medications, such as glucocorticoids
  • plasma exchange
  • lifestyle changes

Eye and eyelid twitching are not always symptoms of a severe condition. They may be related to your:

  • emotions
  • level of rest
  • environment

Harmless eye twitching that goes away after a brief period is called myokymia. It can affect both the top and bottom eyelids for a few hours at a time. You may experience the twitching for several days in a row.

Triggers for this condition can include:

Managing these triggers can often help reduce or eliminate the twitching.

In most cases, eye twitching is harmless and often resolves on its own. However, in some instances, it may be the symptom of a serious health condition, such as Parkinson’s disease or dystonia.

If the twitching continues after a few days or is one of several concerning physical symptoms, it is important to speak with a doctor. Treating a more serious health condition as soon as possible may prevent it from getting worse.