What Causes Twitching Sensation In The Upper Eyelids?

Posted on Mon, 22 May 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 22 May 2017 Answered on

Thu, 8 Jun 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi i am a 29 yr old male. About 12 days i started getting a twitch in my right upper eyelid. The very next day it started in my left lower eyelid. The twitch in my left eye lid went away but the one on the right got worse and now the left lower lid twitch has returned but very slightly. the twitches feel like a light tug on the eyelid. Its been 12 days now and the twitch is pretty constant throughout the days comes every few minutes or so. Sometimes goes away for 20 min but always returns. I do tend to drink alot of coffee and have suffered from anxiety, i just wanted to ask whether you thought it would be a blepharospasm or myokomia. And is this normal to happen to both eyes at once.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Myokymia.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Myokymia is the correct term and condition that may be linked to your symptoms.

Blepharospasm is characterized by pain in muscles around the eye too, besides involuntary movements of eyelids.

Myokymia usually starts in one eye, but both eyes could be involved also.

Getting enough rest and avoiding caffeine should improve your condition.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (3 hours later)

Hi thank you gor the response, The twitch gets worse when I look around or touch the eye. I don't feel it while I sleep, but it twitches sometimes after I blink or move the eye around. I seem to think about it alot and when i think about it it twitches. I am just worried that it still might be a blapharospasm, i read that they can start by a twitch in both eyes but tend to shut the eye close when they twitch. How long do these usually last?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Improvement may start in short time if treated correctly.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

In general, if you avoid caffeine and control correctly your anxiety these twitches should subside very soon.

It is true that blepharospasm results in closing eyes too, pain also is another symptoms another symptom.

Hope I helped you.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng