Stress and eye health: Why do eyes twitch?

16 October 2025

Have you ever felt a small twitch in your eyelid that appears without warning and disappears shortly after? Although it can be uncomfortable or worrying, in most cases this involuntary movement is harmless and related to stress or fatigue.

What is an eye twitch?

An eye twitch, medically known as eyelid myokymia, is an involuntary contraction of the muscle fibers of the eyelid—usually the lower one—that can last from a few seconds to several days.

It does not affect vision, but it can be annoying, especially when it happens repeatedly.

Most common causes

While stress is one of the most frequent causes, it’s not the only one. This phenomenon can also be caused by:

• Emotional or physical stress: when the body is under constant tension, the muscles — including those of the eyelid — may react with small spasms.

• Lack of sleep: general fatigue and eye strain can trigger these movements.

• Excess caffeine or stimulants: high consumption of coffee, tea, or energy drinks may increase the frequency of twitching.

• Prolonged screen time: spending many hours in front of a computer or phone without breaks can irritate the eyes and contribute to spasms.

• Dry eyes: when the eyes aren’t properly lubricated, the eyelids tend to move more in an attempt to compensate.

When to be concerned

In most cases, the twitch goes away on its own after a few days. However, it’s best to see an ophthalmologist if:

• The twitch persists for more than a week.

• It affects both eyes or involves other facial muscles.

• It’s accompanied by redness, pain, or visual disturbances.

These symptoms could indicate another condition that requires further evaluation.

How to prevent or relieve it

Some simple measures can help reduce or prevent eyelid twitching:

• Get enough sleep each night.

• Reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption.

• Take regular breaks from screen time.

• Apply warm or cold compresses to relax the eye muscles.

• Practice stress management techniques such as mindful breathing, meditation, or regular exercise.