Eye twitching (or myokymia) is an involuntary eyelid muscle contraction, which typically affects your lower eyelid, not your actual eyeball. They usually affect the lower eyelid only but upper eyelid twitching can also occur. Twitching under the left eye is more irritating than harmful.
However, if they happen for weeks or months, they should be diagnosed and treated by an eye doctor. It could signal a serious neurological condition.
The exact reason for twitching under the left eye is still unidentifiable but most people have myokymia because of stress or excess caffeine.
When should I be worried about Eye Twitching?
Frequent eye twitching is often from a condition called benign essential blepharospasm. One of our facial muscles closes the eyelid and another one opens it. Problems with one of them or both can also contribute twitching under the left eye. It could be because of a problem with the basal ganglia (a part of the brain).
- Parkinson disease
- Brain damage from inflammation or a stroke. This is especially true for the thalamus, basal ganglia, or brain stem.
- Reaction to certain mental health medicines
- Meige syndrome. This is a nervous system movement disorder.
- Multiple sclerosis
- Bell palsy
What Causes Eye Twitching?
In general, muscle twitching under the left eye is caused generally by Stress, Alcohol, Caffeine, and Fatigue.
Stress is one of the most common reasons for eye twitching. Get plenty of rest and try to find ways to relax. Yoga or a walk with your pet may help to ease them. Try not to worry about it – a twitch is usually harmless, and worrying can make it worse. Simple stretching and massage the muscles affected by cramps can also help.
Caffeine or certain medications can cause twitching under eyelid. Maybe you are busy or addicted to coffee, the extra caffeine intake could be affecting your nervous system. Try to relax your body naturally by cutting it down slowly. Switch to decaffeinated versions for two weeks and see the results.
Ever experience twitching after having alcohol or liquor, if yes, it’s time to leave it for a while.
Another common reason is dry eyes for twitching under the left eye. Dry eyes are common among people over age 50. And those who use computers, take certain medications (antihistamines or antidepressants, for example), wear contact lenses and consume caffeine and/or alcohol. See your doctor for a dry eye test to decrease the risk of twitching in future. Restoring moisture can also help.
Lack of sleep or too much stress to the eyes from overuse of computers or smartphones is also a common cause for twitching under the left eye. Place it 20-26 inches away from your eyes and a little below eye level. Taking regular breaks after every20 minutes may help. Putting your warm fingers on the eyes for 20 seconds can also help to ease the eye strain. Also, ask your doctor for computer eyeglasses.
You need to see your doctor if your eye is red or swollen or has an unusual discharge. Eyelid drooping and if twitching is affecting other parts of your face as well, you’re having chronic eyelid spasms. However, chronic eyelid spasms may be a symptom of a more serious brain or nervous system disorder.
Complications of Eyelid Twitches
- Bell’s palsy (facial palsy), It occurs when the seventh cranial nerve becomes swollen or compressed, resulting in facial weakness or paralysis. It is not permanent but takes time to disappear completely.
- Dystonia is having involuntary muscle contractions that cause slow and repetitive movements. It causes twisting motions in one or other parts of your body. The most commonly affected body parts include your head, neck, trunk, and limbs. It causes unexpected muscle spasms.
- Cervical dystonia causes the neck to randomly spasm. Also, it causes the head to twist into uncomfortable positions.
- Parkinson’s disease can cause trembling limbs, muscle stiffness, balance problems, and difficulty speaking.
- Tourette syndrome, which is characterized by involuntary movement and verbal tics.
How to Stop Twitching Under Left Eye
Itchy eyes may be uncomfortable, especially when you’re trying to fall asleep. Your body is quieter at night when everything is calm. No allergen or exposure to different noises is there. Your itchy eyes and other symptoms could have a root cause. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule if you have to spend long periods of time on your computer or other devices.
Note your intake of caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, as well as your level of stress and how much sleep you’ve been getting in the periods leading up to and during the eyelid twitching. Twitching under the left eye may have many causes and only your doctor can tell you which treatment works best for you.
The causes and treatment of eye twitching may vary from person to person. Usually, there are 2 types of twitching under left eye i.e., Minor eye twitch, Benign Essential Blepharospasm & Hemifacial spasm.
The usual suggestions for a twitch not due to an eye infection are to cut back on caffeine, reduce your stress, and get some rest. Apply warm compress to the eye and massage it gently with the fingers. Most eye twitches will go away on their own within a few days.
There’s no doubt that eye lenses can cause dryness and itching to the eyes, try to keep this dryness at bay by keeping the lenses clean and moisturized.
