Eye Twitching: Common Causes, What Helps and When to Get Checked

A twitching eyelid is most often myokymia: small, harmless contractions, usually in one eye, that do not affect your vision. Stress, lack of sleep, caffeine, eye strain and dry eyes often set it off. It usually goes away on its own within a few days or weeks.

Why is my eyelid twitching?

Because a small muscle in the eyelid contracts on its own. The Mayo Clinic calls this common form myokymia and notes that it happens to most people at some point. It affects the upper or lower lid, usually in one eye at a time, and ranges from barely noticeable to annoying.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) describes it as an eyelid that quickly moves a little, without affecting vision. The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) notes that the eyelids have more fast-twitch muscle fibres than anywhere else in the body.

What makes your eyelid twitch?

Mostly stress, fatigue and caffeine. The Mayo Clinic names alcohol, bright light, too much caffeine, eye strain, irritation of the eye surface or inner eyelids, nicotine, stress, wind and air pollution. The AAO lists lack of sleep, stress, too much caffeine and dry or irritated eyes.

The CAO adds eye strain, which can come from an uncorrected vision problem, and an electrolyte imbalance. According to the Mayo Clinic, twitching can also be a side effect of some medicines; never stop one without talking to the person who prescribed it.

Is a twitching eyelid serious?

Almost never. The AAO says most eyelid twitches are slight, harmless and do not affect vision, and the CAO calls them common and mostly benign.

The Mayo Clinic notes that, very rarely, eyelid twitching can be a sign of a brain or nerve disorder, but that it almost always comes with other signs. Those other signs matter more than the twitch itself.

How long does eyelid twitching last?

Often a few days, sometimes a few weeks. According to the Mayo Clinic, it usually goes away on its own within a few days or weeks. The AAO notes that an episode can last a minute, a few hours, a few days or longer.

The CAO observes that most twitches come and go, but some persist for weeks.

How do you stop an eyelid twitch?

Sleep, and cut back on caffeine and stress. The Mayo Clinic names rest, stress relief and less caffeine. The AAO advises getting enough sleep, reducing stress and limiting coffee, tea and soda.

The CAO suggests cutting down on coffee and taking breaks from screens. If you work at a computer a lot, see also our article on computer glasses.

Can dry eyes or eye strain cause it?

Yes. The AAO says dry or irritated eyes can lead to eyelid spasms. The CAO notes that eye strain may point to an uncorrected vision problem, and advises seeing your optometrist for eye strain or dryness.

If your eyes sting, burn or feel gritty, read our article on dry eye treatment. If headaches come on after reading or screen work, see our article on headaches and vision as well.

How is it different from blepharospasm?

Blepharospasm closes the eyelids; an ordinary twitch does not. The Mayo Clinic describes benign essential blepharospasm as an uncommon condition that starts with more frequent blinking of both eyes and can lead to the eyelids being squeezed shut.

The AAO says one or both eyelids close on their own, for a few seconds to a few hours, and that in advanced stages they can shut so tightly you cannot see. The AAO sums up the difference: these conditions close the eyelids more fully and for longer, to the point of blocking vision.

What if one whole side of your face twitches?

It may be a hemifacial spasm. The Mayo Clinic describes it as contractions of the muscles on one side of the face, including the eyelid, that may start around the eye and then spread.

The AAO and the Mayo Clinic explain that it is usually caused by a blood vessel pressing on a facial nerve, and the AAO adds that an MRI may be needed. It is not myokymia: have it assessed.

What treatments are there if the spasms do not stop?

For blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm, mainly injections. The AAO describes botulinum toxin injections into the muscles above and below the eye, with relief lasting about three months; medicines may help if injections are not enough, and surgery is kept for cases where both fail.

For hemifacial spasm, the AAO says most people find the injections work well, and surgery is rare. An ordinary eyelid twitch usually needs no treatment.

When should you get a twitching eyelid checked?

When it lasts, when the eyelid closes or when other signs appear. The CAO advises booking with your optometrist if the twitch persists more than a few days. The Mayo Clinic advises seeing a professional if it does not go away within a few weeks, if the area feels weak or stiff, if the eyelid closes completely with each twitch, if the eye is hard to open, or if other parts of the face or body twitch.

The Mayo Clinic adds a red or swollen eye, discharge, and a drooping eyelid. The AAO also advises speaking up if the twitches seem to be getting worse. For a red eye with discharge, our article on pink eye or allergies can help you sort it out.

Where can you have a twitching eyelid checked in Montréal?

At PrimeVision, 9520 Boulevard de l'Acadie, Suite 222, in Montréal (Ahuntsic), optometrists and a licensed optician work under one roof. An optometrist can check whether your eyes are dry or irritated and whether your correction is up to date. If the spasms need a specialist, the clinic writes the referral, sends it directly and gives you a copy; the wait depends on the place that receives it. RAMQ covers eye exams for children under 18 and adults 65+, and we see children from age 4.

To book, go through our page on an eye exam with an optometrist: book online, the times shown are the open ones.

Sources

• Eye twitching, Mayo Clinic, January 18, 2025.
• What Is an Eyelid Spasm or Twitching Eyelid?, American Academy of Ophthalmology, August 13, 2026.
• Eye Twitching Causes and Treatment, American Academy of Ophthalmology, April 27, 2023.
• Eyelid Twitches, Canadian Association of Optometrists, January 14, 2025.