Eyelid Tremors: All possible causes

Have you noticed a slight tremor in the eyelid? A spasm may be caused by multiple causes. Discover them.

Why the eyelid begins to tremble? A slight involuntary spasm which lasts only a few seconds, sometimes barely noticeable, and it is known as blepharospasm. A harmless tremor that everyone, at some point, we have noticed, although in most cases is not associated with any particular disease. Although in some cases it may be repeated several times throughout the day, usually subsides spontaneously and without following any special treatment. Let’s look more closely, what are the possible causes and what to do if we notice a slight tremor of the eyelids.

Causes

The causes may be different, although stress is the most common, followed by fatigue and eyestrain by spending too much time in front of the screen of the computer or a book. The exposure to the sun without proper protection can also be harmful, which is why we should always wear sunglasses on the beach or in the mountains.

In the case of using contact lenses, the dryness of the eye can be one of the causes of eyelid tremors. In regard to the eyes also be ruled out that there may be an irritation of the cornea or conjunctiva, although in these cases the tremor usually cause the eyelid is closed completely.

There are more causes that may be behind, as the abuse of coffee or alcoholic beverages, as well as nutritional imbalances (in particularly magnesium deficiency).

The lack of some essential vitamins such as Vitamin B12 or minerals such as potassium or magnesium, can cause involuntary spasms in the muscles, including the eyelids. In addition to this, drinking too little water can cause dehydration, weakening the muscles and causing tremors. It is also worth remembering that people over 65 or following a vegetarian diet are more likely to have a lack of an essential vitamin.

When you sleep less than 7 or 8 hours at night, the eye muscles can be quite tired, as they need to function for several hours without rest. When this happens the eyelids become weaker, beginning to tremble for no apparent reason.

People with allergies can have several symptoms related to the eyes such as redness, itching or excessive production of tears. So when scratching the eyes a substance known as histamine is released, which is produced in allergy situations and can reach the eyelids causing the tremor.

Eyelid tremor or Blepharospasm, in rare cases, can also be a sign more than certain severe diseases, like multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, stroke, drug allergies, kidney or liver failure, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Treatment of eyelid tremor

Obviously, for eye care and to avoid uncomfortable eyelid tremor we must avoid stress and, above all, take care of food (should consult a doctor to rule out that there may be some nutrient deficiency) and rest well. For example, it is advisable to increase the presence of fruits and vegetables in the diet and avoid situations that generate us anguish and anxiety and not spend too much time on the computer. If the problem is the lack of magnesium, the doctor can check the possibility to prescribe magnesium supplements.

Depending on the factor that caused its appearance, there are different ways to treat blepharospasm. The most usual is to indicate the use of sunglasses, lubricant treatments or drugs. Botulinum toxin injections are also prescribed, which serve to decrease the transmission of electrical impulses from the nerve endings to the muscles, thus relieving spasms.

For those cases in which the supply of drugs does not improve the situation, there is a surgical technique called Orbicularis Oculi Myectomy. Through this surgery the muscle fibers of the eyelid are totally or partially removed. In this way, hyperactive nerve endings do not have muscles to stimulate and relieve spasms.

In the vast majority of cases, the eyelid tremor lasts a few seconds or minutes, while in others it may persist for days or weeks. Moreover, if the eyelid closes completely or is accompanied by redness and discharge from the eye, consult the doctor as soon as possible.

Home remedies to cure eyelid tremor

The first recommendation has to do with performing massages in a circular manner with the fingertips on the affected area. Then, wash your face with water and let it remain on your face for a few minutes, without drying up.

Another treatment that you can do for yourself and is usually effective is to blink very often for half a minute. The goal is to reduce the tension of the eyelid muscles and lubricate the surface of the eye, which almost always eliminates the tremor.

Squeezing the eyes for about 1 min also helps to make this spasm disappear. The principle is the same as in the previous cases. With the pressure, the eye relaxes your muscles. Repeat the procedure 4 or 5 times. It is usually enough for cure eyelid tremor.

Applying a contrast of cold and heat on the eye, cause the dilation of the blood vessels, improving the circulation of the area and relaxing the eyelid. For this, you can apply an ice wrapped in a clean cloth (never apply directly on the eyelid) for 10 seconds and alternate with a hot water bottle, an impregnated compress or similar.

A dry or poorly hydrated eye suffers from blepharospasm more frequently. Try, therefore, applying a tear drop or physiological serum recommended by the ophthalmologist.

It is also advised to sit with your back straight for a few minutes in a quiet place and breathe deeply and slowly through your nose and slowly exhale the air through your mouth. This breathing technique will help relax your nerves.

Finally it is important to rest well. Everything seems to indicate that the key is to lead a calmer life and reduce levels of stress and fatigue as much as possible.