DEAR DR. GOTT: My eyelid has been twitching for over four months. Could you give me your expertise on this problem? It would be greatly appreciated.
DEAR READER: Everyone experiences a twitching eyelid (blepharospasm) occasionally and, in general, it is harmless. It can be associated with alcohol, lack of sleep, smoking, stress, irritation of the eye or inner lid, fatigue, caffeine, and physical exertion.
If both eyes are affected, the condition may be benign essential blepharospasm. Pink eye, light sensitivity, blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), and dry eyes may occur prior to the twitching or may accompany it.
Rarely, blepharospasm may be a symptom of an underlying condition such as dystonia, cervical dystonia, Parkinsonism, Bell’s palsy, Tourette syndrome, or as the side effect of certain medications such as those prescribed to treat psychosis and epilepsy.
Because your note is very brief and doesn’t provide any details about age, other health conditions, medications, etc., I cannot begin to determine what your cause may be. However, you eyelid twitching has lasted for more than four months so I urge you to make an appointment with your physician, ophthalmologist or a neurologist. You should have a complete physical, blood work and testing to determine if a cause can be found.
In the meantime, review the above mentioned possible causes and if appropriate, make the necessary changes. For example, if you drink several cups of coffee, caffeinated tea, soda, or energy drinks regularly, try reducing your intake or switch to a non-caffeinated version. If you drink a lot of energy drinks is it because you aren’t sleeping enough? If so, a great alternative to an energy drink is orange juice, but you should also be getting around eight hours of sleep each night. Cut back or quit smoking. Reduce your alcohol intake.
