What is eyelid twitching?

It's common for your eyelid to twitch now and then. It might be annoying, but it usually isn't harmful. It can happen when you're stressed or very tired. Sometimes bright lights can cause the twitching. It usually goes away on its own.

But sometimes the twitching lasts for a longer time. If this happens, your doctor will check to see if it is caused by another problem, such as dry eyes or inflamed eyelids. Eyelid twitching caused by a serious health problem is rare.

What are the symptoms?

Your eyelids may twitch, or spasm, usually for a short time. You also may blink a lot.

How is eyelid twitching treated?

If the eyelid twitching is new, your doctor may have you wait to see if it goes away on its own. Getting plenty of sleep or finding ways to relieve stress may help.

You may get treatment for dry eyes or inflamed eyelids, if that's causing the twitching.

If the twitching doesn't go away, your doctor may check for other problems. If the twitching bothers you, your doctor may give you shots with botulinum toxin (Botox). This may help stop the eyelids from twitching. For more serious problems, your doctor may recommend surgery. But this is rare.