Sometimes your eyelid simply twitches. It is rarely uncomfortable - but it can be irritating. Most of all, it can make you wonder if there is really something wrong. Generally, there isn't. Eyelid twitches (or essential blepharospasm) are involuntary muscle movements that happen in one or both eyelids^1^.
Mild occurrences are very common, similar to the minor muscle spasms most people experience in their arms or legs. Extreme cases can be much more serious, with severe twitching that essentially forces the eye closed^1^. In these cases, twitching may also branch out to other areas of the face, causing facial spasms^1^.
Researchers have speculated on several causes – including misdirected brain activity, tired eyes, too much caffeine, certain drug withdrawals, stress, irritation or dry eyes^2^. However, the cause of most eyelid twitches remains unknown^1^.
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