We’ve all experienced it, that irritating sensation when the lid of your eye starts twitching involuntarily. Although eye twitches generally only last for a few seconds or minutes, in some cases Healthline.com says they “may occur off and on for several days.”
While they may be harmless and painless in nature, you may be wondering what it is that triggers them to occur in the first place. The following are eight of the most common causes to be mindful of.
1. Eye Strain
In this day and age, eye strain is a major culprit of eye twitches. The reason? Our overexposure to screens—whether it be a computer, smartphone, or tablet. To help prevent this, AllAboutVision.com recommends following the 20-20-20 rule: “Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and allow your eyes to focus on a distant object (at least 20 feet away) for 20 seconds or longer.”
In addition to strain caused by digital devices, the source says that eye strain can also occur if a person needs glasses, or, if they already wear glasses, needs a new prescription. “Even minor vision problems can make your eyes work too hard, triggering eyelid twitching,” so it’s important to schedule regular checkups with an optometrist.
