What causes twitching of the lower eyelid?
Sep 24, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
Eyelid twitching of the lower eyelid may be caused by eye strain, lack of sleep, emotional anxiety, eye irritation, conjunctivitis, and other factors. It is important to rest the eyes, ensure adequate sleep, relieve stress, avoid foreign body irritation, and maintain good eye hygiene. If symptoms such as conjunctivitis occur, prompt medical attention is necessary and treatment should be followed as directed by a physician. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and proper eye usage practices is essential in daily life.
Under normal circumstances, twitching of the lower eyelid may be caused by eye fatigue, lack of sleep, emotional anxiety, eye irritation, conjunctivitis, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Eye Fatigue
Staring at computers, smartphones, or other electronic devices for extended periods, or reading or working in poorly lit environments, can easily lead to eye muscle fatigue and subsequently trigger twitching of the lower eyelid. It is important to rest the eyes regularly—take breaks by gazing into the distance or closing the eyes briefly—to relieve eye strain.
2. Lack of Sleep
Inadequate sleep affects the body's overall recovery ability and may result in lower eyelid twitching. Maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure 7–9 hours of high-quality sleep each night.
3. Emotional Anxiety
Long-term emotional stress or anxiety may affect the normal function of eye muscles through the nervous system, leading to lower eyelid twitching. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, thereby alleviating eyelid twitching symptoms.
4. Eye Irritation
When the eye is irritated by foreign substances such as dust, eyelashes, or residual cosmetics, it may trigger lower eyelid twitching. Promptly clean the eyes to prevent further irritation. Also, choose non-irritating cosmetics and skincare products to minimize potential eye irritation.
5. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is usually caused by poor eye hygiene or close contact with someone who has conjunctivitis. The condition can affect the normal function of ocular nerves and muscles, resulting in eyelid twitching. Symptoms may also include redness, congestion, itching, and a burning sensation in the eye. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as levofloxacin eye drops, tobramycin eye drops, or hydrochloride chlortetracycline eye ointment for treatment.
Maintain healthy lifestyle and eye-use habits: avoid prolonged continuous eye use, pay attention to eye hygiene and cleanliness, ensure sufficient sleep, and maintain a relaxed mindset.
