THEL eye tic it’s a rapid and intermittent movement that looks so sudden and involuntary. A behavior that cannot be controlled by those who suffer from it, not painful but which can create social desease and annoyance. According to a recent one research by Clinica Baviera, one of the most important ophthalmological companies in Europe, the 25% of Italians suffered from at least one tic in some moment of his life, especially in childhood. Tics can affect all parts of the body, from the face to the shoulders to the upper and lower limbs and, depending on the number of those involved, they can be more or less complex. Usually these are small ailments that in most cases pass over time.
Tic in the eye: what are the causes
A tic in the eyes can create discomfort for those who suffer from it, especially if they are of school age. The reactions of peers and the worry of not being up to questions and classwork usually only worsen the onset of the disorder, which is closely related to the level of stress. “Most of the time the cause of these contractions is it stress and fatigue but they can also be due to a lack of vitamins, a excessive consumption of caffeinefromabuse of screensfrom having the dry eyesfrom refractive defects, allergies or other diseases », the experts of Clinica Baviera explain. In these cases, and if the disorder occurs for a long time, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
How Much Stress Matters
“Tics can be of varying intensity depending on the situation in which they occur. Usually they intensify in the presence of states of stress, anxiety, fatigue, boredom and even heat. Speaking of the eyes, they don’t always have to be treated as tics. In most cases it is repetitive and uncontrollable temporary twitching or tremors that are harmless, they pass after a short time and have no importance », the experts clarify.
If it doesn’t go away, go to the ophthalmologist
Doctor Federico Fiorini, medical director of Clinica Baviera Bologna explains: «Ocular contractions are something that we have all tried at least once in our life. I’m repetitive and uncontrollable muscle movements that we perceive as if they were a spasm. Normally there is no need to be alarmed because they disappear after a short time. Otherwise, if the disturbance persists, it’s always good go to an ophthalmologist to understand if it is something temporary, a more important disorder or if they are caused by another disease, to then have an adequate treatment ».
The remedies for the most serious cases of eye tics
There are currently remedies, such as injections of botulinum toxinthat they reduce the transmission of electrical impulses from nerve endings to affected muscles, relieving spasms. In more severe cases, however, a technique can be performed surgery called myectomy. It is important to consult a specialist regularly because tics are sometimes due to poorly corrected or refractive defects they can be the wake-up call for diseases such as Meige, Gilles de la Tourette or Sjogren’s syndromes, which can cause eye tremors and involuntary movements.
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Minor eyelid spasm
Minor eyelid spasm is the first type of involuntary spasm that affects the eyes. It’s a’abnormality in the function of the eyelid which occurs when the muscles that regulate its opening and closing contract in a repetitive, involuntary and rhythmic way. Usually it is one slight contraction, not very intense and infrequent. In most cases it is only noticed by the person suffering from it. It generally resolves spontaneously also because it is evaluated that in 80% of cases it depends on stress or fatigue. It cannot be considered a tic, but a tremor or a momentary spasm.
Benign essential blepharospasm
The second involuntary spasm affecting the eyes is benign essential blepharospasm, a disorder that usually involves both eyes causing the involuntary closure in a repetitive, intense and chronic way. Can also cause movements of the neck, head or mouth. With the passage of time, if adequate and early therapy is not intervened, tic tends to be more frequent until it becomes chronic and this can lead to the disability of the person who suffers from it.
Hemifacial spasm
The third involuntary eye spasm is hemifacial spasm, a disorder that affects the muscles on only one side of the face and it is caused by the compression of a facial nerve by a blood vessel or artery. These spasms affect not only the eye, the rest of the face tooespecially i muscles near the mouth. It is essential to always consult your doctor to determine the cause.
What to do in practice
Get enough sleep
One of the main causes of eyelid tremor is tiredness. To try to prevent this, it is important to rest and sleep enough hours, about seven or eight a day.
Lubricate the eyes
Another cause of eye twitching is dry eye. Lubrication is very important for eye health in general, having dry eye can cause irritation of the cornea or conjunctiva, which then leads to involuntary blinking due to lack of tears. The best remedy to lubricate the eyes and avoid involuntary twitching is to use artificial tears or saline.
The right vitamins
The lack of vitamins such as the B12 or minerals such as magnesium, potassium or calcium it can cause involuntary contractions. It is essential to follow a balanced diet, with the right amount of fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. To make sure you are getting enough, you can consult a specialist and evaluate, if necessary, the prescription of a dietary supplement.
Hydrate properly
Another essential thing is to stay hydrated, not drinking enough water can also have unwanted effects on the muscles and cause involuntary movements. Drinking is recommended two liters of water per day.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Excessive consumption of caffeine and stimulant drinks can cause eye problems. It is important to moderate or avoid their consumption in order not to compromise visual health. The same goes for alcohol.
Use relaxation techniques
Since stress is a major cause of eye twitching, a good solution is to use relaxation techniques. For example it yoga which helps to control and balance emotions, teaches you to breathe healthily, helping you to relax and gradually reduce tics as well.
Don’t abuse the screens
Another major reason for tics is overuse of screens. It is used more and more and the consequence is that eyes never rest. It is essential not to abuse technology too much e take short breaks. Simply closing your eyes a little from time to time can prevent them from drying out and starting tremors.
Wear sunglasses
The use of sunglasses is essential throughout the year, protecting the eyes from light is important for visual health. Sunglasses also prevent particles and dust from entering the eyes which can cause irritation and consequently contractions.
Massages and packs
Gently massage your eyelids with your fingertips for 20 seconds in a circular motion, without pressing too hard strong, it can help soothe involuntary movements. Also, blinking rapidly several times in a row reduces the discomfort caused by the twitching of the eyes. Even the application of fresh compresses on the eyelids often works.
Drink calming herbal teas
A infusion of valerian, chamomile or lemon balm, during the day and especially about half an hour before going to bed, it can help to achieve a state of calm that also extinguishes the involuntary twitching of the eyes.
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