A muscle spasm or twitch in your eyelid may occur periodically and then disappear, but a twitch may also last longer. Certain health and lifestyle factors may result in the twitch, but in many cases the twitch will resolve without any necessary treatment. In some cases, poor dietary choices could affect nutrient levels, causing eye twitches. If you have frequent or prolonged twitching, talk to your doctor about your diet and other factors that may contribute to twitches.
Magnesium
Your body relies on magnesium to help with a number of functions, including heart rhythm, immune system and nerves. Magnesium also plays an important role in muscle function, and if you have low levels of magnesium you may experience muscle spasms which may occur in the muscles of the eyelids. Poor diet could lead to a magnesium deficiency that results in eyelid twitching. Your doctor will check your blood to determine your levels, and low levels could indicate that the deficiency caused the twitching.
The average adult requires between 310 milligrams and 420 milligrams of magnesium each day. Your doctor will help you determine the intake appropriate for you. She will also help you identify magnesium-rich foods, including cashews, spinach, potatoes and milk. In severe cases of deficiency you may need a daily supplement to boost your magnesium and bring your levels to normal.
Other Dietary Factors
If you consume high amounts of caffeine this may contribute to eye twitches. Foods and beverages with caffeine include chocolate, colas, coffee and tea, but other products such as diet pills and headache medications may also contain caffeine. Drinking alcohol may also cause twitches.
Other Causes
Factors other than diet may also contribute to twitching. These factors include stress, smoking and sleeplessness. You may also experience eyelid spasms if you have an eye condition that causes irritation. For example, dry eye or an eye infection may cause scratchiness on the surface of your eye, and these conditions may also involve the tissues that line the underside of the eyelid, resulting in the twitching.
Considerations
If you have an eye twitch that does not dissipate within a few weeks, contact your doctor. Always visit with your doctor sooner if you suspect you have a nutrient deficiency causing the spasm. Low levels of nutrients such as magnesium may cause other side effects such as fatigue, tingling, muscle cramps and seizures. Prompt treatment of magnesium deficiency may prevent serious complications.
