We are used to eye twitches caused by fatigue, stress or too much screen use. But what if the contractions around the eyes indicate a more serious problem? Ophthalmology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr Ayşe Burcu Dirim warned about the dangers behind this problem that we do not dwell on.

Eye twitching is one of the body reactions that occur suddenly during the day and can sometimes reach annoying dimensions. Although this discomfort is not considered a serious problem for many of us, experts warn that it may be an indicator of a serious health problem. So much so that many of us do not think that this is a problem with the eye muscles or that it may be caused by intense stress. There are several reasons why eyelid twitching can occur. If only one eyelid is twitching, this is usually what we call a muscle twitch, which is quite normal, temporary and typically resolves on its own. However, in some cases it can be a little more difficult to find the underlying problem. Ophthalmology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr Ayşe Burcu Dirim explained the causes and possible risks of eye twitching.

EYE MUSCLES MAY BE AFFECTED İN ELECTROLYTE İMBALANCE

These contractions in the orbicularis muscle surrounding our eyes, called ‘myokymia’ in medicine, are popularly called twitching. The severity of these twitches, which occur as a result of temporary cramps in the muscles around the eyes, varies depending on the amount of muscle fibres involved. One of the most common causes of eye twitching may increase as a result of fatigue, insomnia and stress tiring the muscle fibres. Eye muscles that work very actively are quickly affected by fluid and electrolyte imbalance and such temporary contractions occur. Sometimes dryness, infection, allergy conditions can also cause eye twitching.

WE SHOULD AVOİD COFFEE AND STRESS

Reminding that eyelid twitching is usually a benign and spontaneous condition, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Burcu Dirim said, “Increasing fluid intake, mineral water consumption to balance electrolyte loss, caffeine restriction, regular sleep, and reducing stress will quickly improve eye twitching. The use of sunglasses in people who are sensitive to light, intermittent resting of the eyes in people who use computers intensively will also contribute to the process. An underlying neurological or eye-related condition should be investigated in twitching that persists continuously and exceeds one week.”

A METHOD TO REDUCE THE DİSEASE HAS NOT YET BEEN DEVELOPED

Stating that blepharospasm is divided into two as ‘benign’ and ‘malignant’, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Burcu Dirim states that the difference between them can be detected by Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging method. Asked how benign and malignant blepharospasm is detected, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dirim stated the following: In order to distinguish benign (essential, benign) or malignant blepharospasm, it should be checked whether there is a pathology originating from the brain with MR imaging method. Blepharospasm may be the first symptom of underlying Parkinson’s disease. Blepharospasm may also be a symptom of lesions in some parts of the brain. Blepharospasm usually occurs over the age of 50 and without an underlying disease and causes severe contractions in both lids. Although their severity varies according to stress and anxiety, they disappear completely during night sleep. In recent years, we have been trying to reduce the severity of contractions by using filtered lenses that block the light to which the person is sensitive in order to regulate visual stimuli. Although promising results have been obtained in some patients, a method that effectively reduces the disease has not yet been developed.

MAY BE A SYMPTOM OF PARKİNSON’S DİSEASE

A persistent twitching that lasts for more than two weeks, a visible change or pain around the eyes indicates that there is a serious problem underlying this problem. This can be seen as problems that can lead to muscle stiffness and tension, affecting movements and facial expressions. It may be an indicator of a problem in the brain or an early sign of Parkinson’s disease. In the event of such a situation, early diagnosis is very critical. Blepharospasm may be the first symptom of underlying Parkinson’s disease or blepharospasm may be a symptom of lesions in some parts of the brain. Benign and malignant blepharospasm can be differentiated by neurological examination and eye examination. For this reason, it is very important to consult a specialist doctor on time for early diagnosis.

20+20+20 RULE

First of all, those who use the computer screen too much should follow the rule of working for 20 minutes, taking a 20-second break and resting by walking 20 metres. Those working in front of the screen should not forget to blink frequently. The simplest method to get into the habit of blinking when you are at the computer is to close one page and open the other. Fatigue is a more serious factor than it is thought to be. In such cases, ensuring sleep patterns and resting your eyes while you are at home can be effective in solving the problem. In advanced cases, experts recommend using botox (botulinum toxin) injections to weaken the spasming muscles or surgical intervention to the orbicularis muscle that causes the eyelid to twitch. Since blepharospasm is a chronic condition and it is not possible to spontaneously improve or eliminate it with a single treatment, it is very important to stick to the treatment recommended by your doctor for quality vision.

March 2024