What Causes Eyelid Twitching?
The cause of eyelid twitching is generally unknown, but it is usually associated with stress, caffeine and fatigue, according to WebMD. Less common causes include eye conditions such as blepharitis and dry eyes, as well as brain or nerve disorders, such as Tourette’s syndrome.
Blepharitis occurs when the eyelash follicles become inflamed, notes Healthline. The cause of the condition is unknown, but certain factors can contribute to its development, including having dandruff, allergies, an allergic reaction in the eye, eyelash mites and eyelash lice. Patients with blepharitis have noticeable symptoms, including itching eyelids, swollen eyelids, a burning sensation in the eyes and sensitivity to light.
Dry eyes occur when tears are not produced properly, when they evaporate too fast, or when they are of the wrong consistency, explains the National Eye Institute. There are many causes of the condition, which include the use of certain medications, having a skin disease around the eyelids, previous refractive surgery and allergies. Symptoms of dry eyes include eye fatigue, heavy eyelids and a stringy discharge from the eyes.
Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes repetitive and involuntary movements in patients, explains the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The cause of the disease is unknown, as it is likely complex, but abnormalities of certain brain regions are found to be associated with its development. Symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome include facial grimacing and shoulder jerking.
