When it comes to health, the classic tremor in the eyelids of the eyes It presents itself as an almost universal symptom and, although it is quite common, it does not always indicate serious problems.
THE CNN the ophthalmologist Tiago César Pereira Ferreira specialist in refractive surgery, cataracts, contact lenses and keratoconus, explains that, scientifically, the phenomenon is known as eyelid myokymia occurring due to hyperactivity in the nerve responsible for controlling the eyelid muscles.
According to the professional, many people experience the diagnosis, especially in times of emotional changes. “Stress is one of the main triggers for eyelid twitching. When we are emotionally overwhelmed, our nervous system becomes more sensitive, which can lead to involuntary activation of the facial nerve, which controls the eyelid muscles. This excessive nervous stimulation can trigger tremors”, he says.
Several other factors can also trigger myokymia. Among them, the lack of sleep , eye fatigue , excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol and nutritional deficiencies .
“Sleep deprivation increases the sensitivity of muscles and nerves, making them more susceptible to involuntary movements. Meanwhile, eye strain, often caused by long hours in front of screens or prolonged reading, is also a common factor”, says Tiago.
“Excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol can stimulate the nervous system, worsening tremors. Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of magnesium, calcium or potassium, can weaken muscle control,” he adds.
Eyelid myokymia and vision problems
According to the ophthalmologist, tremor may be associated with conditions such as dry eye, which, in short, is a syndrome that occurs when there is not sufficient production of tears or when their quality is inadequate, which compromises lubrication and protection. of the ocular surface.
“This condition can cause irritation, redness, a feeling of sand in the eyes and, in some cases, lead to nervous reflexes that trigger eyelid twitching. It is important to remember that dry eye can be aggravated by excessive use of screens, hormonal changes or inappropriate use of contact lenses”, he guarantees.
Pay attention to the differences between eye and eyelid twitching
Although similar, the symptoms of eyelid tremor and in the eye bring certain differences. “The first refers exclusively to the involuntary movements of the eyelid muscles, generally benign and transient. The tremor in the eye, known as nystagmus is a condition in which the eyeball presents involuntary movements, which may be horizontal, vertical or rotational”, he explains.
THE nystagmus it is often associated with more serious neurological or ophthalmological problems and requires further investigation. Briefly, the eyelid tremor is superficial and usually harmless while the eye twitching indicates a more complex problem .
“If the tremor persists for more than a week continuously, or if it involves more intense spasms that close the eyelid completely, it may be necessary to seek medical help,” he says.
“Additionally, if the tremor affects both eyelids or is associated with other symptoms, such as muscle weakness, difficulty moving the eyes, or visual changes, it is essential to consult an ophthalmologist or neurologist, as these signs may indicate more serious conditions, such as blepharospasm or neurological disorders”, he says.
How to treat eyelid twitching
To reverse the scenario, it is necessary to understand the underlying cause . Tremor usually goes away on its own with rest and reduced stress. However, if the problem is associated with the eye strain it is recommended to do taking regular breaks during screen time or prolonged reading .
“For those suffering from dry eye, using preservative-free lubricating eye drops can alleviate symptoms. If the tremor is related to excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, reducing these habits is essential. In persistent cases, botulinum toxin (botox) may be used, especially if blepharospasm is diagnosed. Replacement of minerals, such as magnesium, may also be recommended if there is a deficiency.”
Relieving the symptom
To relieve tremors, the patient can use a warm compress under the eyes, which helps to relax the muscles in the area, as well as rest the eyes by closing them for a few minutes.
“Another option is to gently massage the area around the eyelid, with circular movements that relieve muscle tension. If your eyes feel dry, using lubricating eye drops can help. Furthermore, reducing caffeine consumption and avoiding excessive use of digital devices are important measures to prevent new episodes”, he concludes.
This content was originally published on Eyelid Trembling? See common causes and how to alleviate them on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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