Oh, those eyes!

September 20, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I enjoy reading your column and your common sense approach to many health issues.

A friend of mine who is a nurse and worked for a doctor had a problem which caused her much grief. Her eyes were dry and would clamp shut. She couldn’t open them at appropriate times, such as when driving. She had a couple minor accidents as a result.

One day when her husband was at the eye doctor, he mentioned her problem to the doctor who rattled off some big name condition, blepharospasms. She was examined by him later and diagnosed.
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When eye twitching isn’t flirtatious winking

April 9, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: For some time now, I have had a left eye that twitches. It began mildly about five years ago and now when it occurs, it closes my left eye and distorts my face. It has proven to be a mystery to me. Owing to this problem, I am not willing to engage in some social activities.

One doctor told me it was not Bell’s palsy. Some of my friends tell me to think of other things to divert the spasm.

DEAR READER: Eye twitching is the involuntary movement of the eyelid. It is most commonly a harmless annoyance that often disappears after a day or two, but on rare occasion and in the presence of facial spasms, it may indicate an early sign of a brain or movement disorder, such as Parkinsonism, Tourette syndrome, dystonia and Bell’s palsy. [Read more...]

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Soy lecithin may help eye twitching

April 5, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: A while back, you published an article about eye twitching. I, too, have had eye-twitching problems and did consult a doctor. He suggested getting a shot in my temple, but I declined, it being so close to my eye. I read somewhere that soy was good for the nervous system, so I bought lecithin concentrate, 400 milligrams, and now take one in the morning and one at night. As long as I take them, I do not get the twitching. If I stop taking them, within a day or two, it starts again. I’ve been using the lecithin for a number of years now, and just the two tablets are still sufficient. Thank you for your informative column.

DEAR READER: There are two main types of lecithin: egg and soy. Soy lecithin is extracted from soybean oil and used as a food and drug additive, typically an emulsifier. It is becoming more popular as a dietary supplement. It is purported to benefit many conditions, such as high cholesterol, gallbladder disease, Alzheimer’s disease, eczema, anxiety and 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.
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