Twitching of eyelids has been often linked with omens and signs- sometimes relating to good news and sometimes bad. The reason maybe superstition or incidental but twitching of eyelids has more relations to stress than to myths.

Twitching of eyelids or myokymia is a general term for involuntary spasms of the eyelid muscles. In some instances, the eyelid may repeatedly close (or nearly close) and re-open. Usually only the bottom lid of one eye is involved, but the top eyelid also can twitch. Most eye twitches come and go, although they can last for weeks or even months. If the twitching involves both eyes, there is a possibility of blephorospasm or benign essential blepharospasm which refers to, a focal dystonia - a neurological movement disorder involving involuntary and sustained contractions of the muscles around the eyes..

Causes of Twitching of eyelids:

Though the exact cause is unknown but the contributing factors include:

• Stress
• Tiredness
• Eye strain
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Dry eyes
• Nutritional imbalances
• Allergies

Symptoms of Twitching of eyelids:

Episodes of repetitive, uncontrollable twitching or spasms of your eyelid (usually the upper lid), once spasms begin, they may continue off and on for a few days. More severe contractions, where the eyelid completely closes, are possible. These can be caused by irritation of the surface of the eye (cornea) or the membranes lining the eyelids (conjunctiva).

Sometimes, the reason of eyelid twitching cannot be identified. This form of eyelid twitching lasts much longer, is often very uncomfortable, and can also cause eyelids to close completely. Patient can often present with excessive blinking and spasming of the eyes, usually characterized by uncontrollable eyelid closure of durations longer than the typical blink reflex, sometimes lasting minutes or even hours.

Permanent eye injury from unrecognized cornea injury is possible, but rare.

Management of Twitching of eyelids

Eyelid twitching usually disappears without treatment. It is usually a sign that there is a need to take a break and relax. Some common things which can help are:

• Applying warm compresses to the twitching eye and gently massaging the eyelid with fingers.
• Getting more sleep.
• Drinking less caffeine.
• Lubricating eyes with eye drops.
• Increased intake of green vegetables, fruits and nuts in diet chiefly food rich in Magnesium and Potassium such as bananas, avocados, oranges, spinach, raisins etc

How can Homeopathy Help in Twitching of eyelids

Homeopathic remedies are often very useful in cases of blepharospasm; if they are frequent or do not subside easily. Some remedies like Agaricus, Arum-triph, Gelsemium, Cicuta, Causticum, Physostigma show beautiful results in such cases.

So you see dear friends it is not the twitching or tics which indicate the consequences but twitching itself is consequence of stressful sequences preceding it. Moving ahead I present to you all the October Issue of Homeopathic Horizon on HOMEOPATHY IN OPTHALMOLOGY. Wishing you all the very best.