Eye ticks, sometimes referred to as eyelid twitching, cause uncontrollable spasms of the upper or lower eyelid. The condition may occur only a few times in a day and then disappear, or may continue for a week. In such cases, knowing some of the causes for an eye tick may help reduce the occurrence of the condition, and may offer solutions to ease the twitching.
Stress
People commonly experience eyelid twitching during times of stress, reports MedlinePlus. In these cases, relaxation techniques such as meditation may reduce the effects of stress throughout the body, preventing or diminishing eyelid twitching. Getting plenty of sleep can also help.
Caffeine
Caffeine may also trigger eyelid twitching, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some people may find it difficult to determine if caffeine triggers an onset of an eye tick, but if the twitching happens frequently, a person may need to keep a journal of food, activities and mental disposition, as well as the number of time twitching occurs. This will help monitor for trends.
If caffeine is identified as a trigger for eye twitching, the affected person should stop caffeine consumption; if the eyelid twitching stops, this may confirm that caffeine triggered the condition. A permanent decrease in caffeine intake, or stopping caffeine consumption altogether, may reduce, or even stop, the occurrences of eyelid ticks.
Eye Irritation
Surface irritation of the eye may cause an eye tick, says MayoClinic.com. As a result, certain eye conditions, such as dry eye syndrome or an eye infection, may cause the eyelid to twitch. If the surface of the eye feels dry, scratchy or painful, over-the-counter artificial tears may help to lubricate the eye's surface and reduce the twitching. If the irritation does not improve, the affected person should contact an eye care professional to determine the cause for irritation.
Systemic Conditions
Certain conditions that occur throughout the body, or in locations other than the eyes, may contribute to eyelid ticks. For example, nerve disorders such as Bell's palsy, Parkinson's or Tourettes may cause twitching, says MayoClinic.com. Treatment of the underlying condition may show some improvement in eyelid twitching, though not everyone with a nerve disorder will experience full relief from eyelid twitching.
