Fluorescent lights to blame for eye tic

September 4, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been meaning for the longest time to comment on an article of yours relative to eye tics.

A number of years ago I suffered with an eye tic that was driving me mad and I couldn’t imagine the cause. Then, one day I bumped into a sign painter who recognized the problem immediately. He asked me if I was doing any intense eye work under a fluorescent light. I answered that I was. I was creating artworks, using the silk screening process and highly-detailed stencil cutting was involved.

He explained to me that a fluorescent bulb has an undetectable blink and that using one for intense work can cause your eyes to blink in sympathy with the bulb. I changed to an incandescent bulb and the tic immediately disappeared. [Read more...]

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Cause of eye twitch requires investigation

January 8, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 58-year-old male. Over the last year, I have developed a twitch or spasm around my left eye. I take hydrochlorothiazide and Accupril for my high blood pressure. Can you tell me what is going on?
DEAR READER: Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a diuretic (water pill) that treats hypertension and helps prevent the body from absorbing too much salt, which can lead to fluid retention. It is prescribed for people with kidney disorders, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and other conditions.

Side effects can include loss of appetite, lightheadedness, diarrhea, dizziness, temporary blurred vision, low potassium and loss of appetite. Severe allergic reactions can produce hives, difficulty breathing, low urine output, muscle pain or cramps and more.
[Read more...]

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