According to the National Institutes of Health, eye spasms, also known as eye twitching, is the involuntary movement of the eyelid muscles. Eye twitches usually affect the bottom lid of an eye, although a twitch can also occur in the upper lid. The condition can be annoying and expected, but not painful. Eye muscle spasms can lead to facial pain, headaches, blurred vision or light sensitivity. In severe cases, additional pain or facial movements may indicate a serious condition. Typically, eye spasms can be treated by lifestyle changes, medication or surgery. A person suffering from eye spasms or twitches should consult a health care professional for treatment overview.
Irritation and Infection
If any part of the eye develops an infection or is exposed to an irritant, the eye muscles may spasm or twitch. According to the Mayo Clinic, this includes conditions such as blepharitis or conjunctivitis, which cause inflammation in the eyelid areas. Typically, these conditions are caused by bacterial, viral or allergy infection. As a result, treating these infections usually resolves the eye spasms.
Nerve Damage
Normally, the eyes blink involuntarily to block debris and remain lubricated. When facial nerves are damaged, a condition called blepharospasm sometimes occurs. This condition is characterized by eye spasms, dry eyes and eye irritation. The National Institutes of Health reports that neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, Bell's palsy or Tourette syndrome, can also contribute to eye spasms. Medications prescribed for epilepsy can cause eye spasms, as well.
Pressure for Blood Vessels or Tumors
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Eye, spasms or twitches may develop if the facial blood vessels press on the nerves of the eye muscles. In addition to causing eye twitches, a hemifacial spasm occurs on one side of the face and affects the facial muscles, as well. Although rare, tumors can also press on facial nerves to cause eye spasms.
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