Thursday, November 8, 2012

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison: Why do eyes twitch?

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Eyelid tics, spasms, or eye twitching are pretty common. Most of them are not permanent and last only for days or, in worst case-scenarios, a few months. This Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison blog entry discusses eye twitching and its causes.

Medline Plus of the US National Library of Medicine says that the most common things that make the muscle in eyelids twitch are fatigue, stress, and caffeine. At times, eye twitching can be severe and can make the eyelids completely close. This may be caused by an irritation of the cornea or the conjunctiva.

Treatment

Although eyelid twitching usually disappears without treatment, many may find it uncomfortable. Here are some tips that may help alleviate this condition:


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• Just like the rest of the body, the eyes need rest, too. Getting enough sleep reduces the occurrence of eye twitching.
• Individuals who are prone to eyelid tics should lessen caffeine intake.
• When the twitching gets worse, medical practitioners like Dr. Hitesh K. Patel, an Edison, NJ-based ophthalmologist, can perform botulinum toxin injections to temporarily stop the spasms.
• Eye lubrication may help with the use of prescribed eye drops.


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In the meantime, if the twitching goes on for a week, closes the eyelids completely, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s wise to immediately consult a medical practitioner for an eye exam.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel is an ophthalmologist with an eye clinic based in Edison. For more information, visit PatelEyeAssociates.com.