Involuntary twitching of the eyelid, or blepharospasm, is a rather embarrassing, inconvenient and downright annoying disorder. Sometimes it can even scare you if you've never tried it before. It is a focal dystonia that causes the orbicular muscle of the eyelid to contract involuntarily and can have various causes, including fatigue and dry eyes, tiredness, excessive use of stimulants (coffee or drugs), dehydration or alcohol abuse. Regardless of the cause, don't panic, as there are several solutions to stop blepharospasm.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Stop the Contraction
Step 1. Start with forced blinks
Close your eyes as hard as you can and then reopen them by widening your eyelids to the maximum. Continue this way until you have stimulated some tearing. If you feel pain or if the contractions get worse, stop exercising immediately.
This movement, performed in rapid succession, spreads the tear film evenly and gives relief because it rehydrates the eyes, rests the eyelid, stretches the eye and facial muscles and improves blood circulation in the area
Step 2. Try to relax your eyes with a localized massage
Gently massage your lower lids with a gentle motion of your middle fingers. Focus on the eye suffering from blepharospasm for at least 30 seconds. Make sure your hands and face are clean to avoid infections and irritation.
This method has proven effective because it increases blood circulation in the eye, as well as stimulating and strengthening the muscles
Step 3. Blink for 30 seconds
Try to do this with some speed with very light movements. Imagine the lashes are butterfly wings. Blinking is critical to eye health because it relaxes the eye muscles, lubricates and cleans the globe, and can stop blepharospasm. If you feel pain or the involuntary contractions get worse, stop immediately.
Step 4. Close your eyelids halfway
You will notice that the upper ones tremble with a movement of ever-varying amplitude. Concentrate on stopping this shaking.
Squinting and improving visual acuity, you strain your eyes less; this technique is quite useful if your blepharospasm is caused by eye fatigue
Step 5. Do squinting exercises
Close them for 60 seconds. At this juncture try to squeeze them as much as you can and then relax the muscles, without opening your eyes. Do three repetitions before lifting your eyelids.
This exercise allows you to lubricate the eyes by increasing the production of tears. In addition to providing relief from involuntary contractions, it is also able to strengthen the eye muscles
Step 6. Do an acupressure self-massage
Refer to the image above to find the pressure points around the eyes. Gently massage each area in circular motions for 5-10 seconds, before moving on to the next step. When you're done with the sequence, start over. Continue like this for two minutes.
- If you want to perform a similar acupressure technique, place your index and middle fingers on your eyebrows and rotate them around the edges of the eye socket for 5 minutes.
- Acupressure methods are useful in cases of blepharospasm because they increase blood circulation in the area, while the closed eyelid distributes the tear film hydrating the eye.
- Again, to prevent irritation and infection, wash your hands and face before proceeding.
Step 7. Try eye hydrotherapy techniques
Spray your eyes, alternately, with cold and warm water. Low temperatures constrict blood vessels, while high temperatures dilate them. All of this improves circulation and blood flow to the eyes which, in turn, is able to calm the contractions.
You can also gently rub an ice cube on your eyelids before splashing them with warm water instead of alternating the temperature of the latter. Repeat the procedure seven or eight times
Part 2 of 2: Addressing Possible Causes
Step 1. Limit your consumption of caffeine and other stimulants
If you overdo it with coffee, sodas, or even some types of medications, then you can trigger blepharospasm. Try to reduce the amount you take but, in the case of drugs, consult with your doctor before changing the dosage.
Step 2. Stay hydrated
Dehydration causes involuntary twitching of the eyelid, so it is worth increasing the consumption of water. Aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.
Step 3. Get more sleep
General tiredness can affect the eyes, dry them and trigger more episodes of blepharospasm. Your goal is to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Also, reduce the use of electronic devices such as a TV, cell phone, or computer in the hours leading up to sleep.
Step 4. See an eye doctor
Any of the symptoms listed below may indicate a more serious condition, which should be referred to an ophthalmologist:
- Involuntary contractions last more than a week.
- Blepharospasm causes one eyelid to close completely.
- The spasms involve other muscles of the face.
- The eye is red, swollen and with secretions.
- The upper eyelid is drooping (ptosis).
- Blepharospasm is accompanied by diplopia (double vision) and migraine.
- If doctors suspect that there is a brain or neurological disorder that is responsible for the contractions (such as Parkinson's disease or Tourette's syndrome), then they will look for other common symptoms. They may also recommend a neurological visit or visit to another specialist.
- Remember to list all medications and supplements you take with your doctor, tell your doctor about your physical activity routine and your diet.
Step 5. Consider taking supplements
Your eye doctor may have a number of tests to check your vitamin, mineral, and electrolyte levels, as some deficiencies (such as calcium) can cause blepharospasm. Based on the test results, your doctor may also prescribe a very simple over-the-counter supplement therapy.
Step 6. Discuss the various therapies available with your doctor
If you suffer from chronic blepharospasm, then your ophthalmologist will offer you several solutions. Botulinum toxin (Botox ™) injections are a type of treatment that is often recommended. In mild cases, the ophthalmologist will prescribe medicines such as Clonazepam, Lorazepam, Triesiphenidyl or other muscle relaxants.
