Eye jitter is also referred to as twitching, spasms or nystagmus. The cause of eye jitter varies depending on precipitating factors such as an underlying medical condition, use of substances or minor irritations. MayoClinic.com notes that any individual can have a random eye jitter, however, prolonged uncontrolled eye movement is cause for concern. Twitching that does not subside within three weeks, causes eye drooping or inability to close the eyelid or redness and swelling around the eye signifies need for medical attention.
Substance Abuse
Substances such as caffeine, alcohol and phencyclidine can cause temporary eye jitters. Caffeine is a stimulant, which acts on the central nervous system resulting in over stimulation of the nerves in the eyes. Alcohol use can result in eye jitters as a side effect of withdrawal or due to vitamin deficiencies caused by long-term use. The drug phencyclidine, or PCP, is a synthetic and illicit chemical categorized as a dissociative anesthetic, which leads to significant physiological and psychological effects during and after use. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that the anesthetized state induced by phencyclidine use, increases blood pressure rapidly, which can over-stimulate the optical nerves resulting in nystagmus and eventual rigid eye gaze.
Blepharospasm and Blepharitis
Eye spasms due to uncontrolled muscular contractions around the eyelids is referred to as blepharospasm. Benign essential blepharospasm is not considered life-threatening, and occurs due to dry eyes or eye irritations. Blepharitis is caused by inflammation of the eyelids due to malfunctions of the oil glands near the base of the eyelids, notes MayoClinic.com. Factors such as dandruff, allergies or rosacea contribute to the development of blepharitis. Long-term care may be required to treat the discomfort. Blepharospasm with symptoms of visual disturbance, drooping eyelids and paralysis of the eye muscles warrants seeking medical intervention as these are signs of possible neurological damage.
Neurological Deficits
Conditions resulting in significant brain impairment, or neurological deficits, can cause eye jerk or pendular nystagmus. The American Optometric Association notes that neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or trauma to the head, have nystagmus as a common side effect. Congenital conditions from birth resulting in cataracts, underdeveloped optic nerves or albinism also contribute to later development of eye jitters. Eye Care Source online further notes that Tourette's syndrome sufferers may also experience complications with eye spasms through the course of having the disorder.
