Often dismissed as a harmless result of stress, fatigue, or lack of sleep, eye twitching (Myokymia) can sometimes be an important warning sign from the body.

Eye twitching, which can last from a few seconds to several minutes — and in some cases occur intermittently for days – may be triggered by many different factors. Medically known as myokymia, eye twitching results from involuntary, repetitive contractions (spasms) of the muscles that control the eyelids. Sometimes it is visible to others, while at other times only the person experiences the sensation. Patients often describe it as an eye trembling or say that others think they are winking at them. Eye twitching is usually harmless and resolves on its own within a few days. However, if it lasts longer than two weeks, causes the eyelid to close, or is accompanied by blurred vision or facial spasms, it is essential to consult a doctor to identify possible underlying causes. Ophthalmologist Dr. Emel Çolakoğlu explains three lesser-known causes of eye twitching and offers important warnings and recommendations.

Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
Unhealthy lifestyle habits play a major role in the causes of eye twitching. Alcohol and tobacco use, excessive caffeine intake (tea, coffee, energy drinks, etc.), lack of adequate sleep, staring at computer or phone screens for long periods without taking breaks, and an unbalanced diet are just a few of these harmful habits. In addition, poor stress management and being constantly under intense stress also stand out as major factors triggering eye twitching.

Hidden Astigmatism
Whether the twitching occurs in the right or left eye is not medically significant for diagnosis. Frequent eye twitching can be a sign of hidden astigmatism, myopia, or hypermetropia, so it’s advisable to consult an eye doctor. If you already wear glasses, twitching in your eyes may also indicate that your prescription needs to be updated.

Brain and Nervous System Disorders
Although rare, eye twitching can sometimes be a symptom of a serious brain or nervous system disorder. In such cases, eye twitching alone is not the only symptom; other neurological signs are typically present as well.

October 2025