Eye twitching

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition Causes

When to see a doctor

Definition

Eye twitching is a slight, involuntary movement of the eyelid every few seconds over the course of a minute or two. Sometimes the spasm is strong enough to make your eyelid close completely before reopening.

Eye twitching can come and go unpredictably for a few days, weeks or months. The spasms don't hurt, but they can be annoying. In its most common form, which is harmless, eye twitching stops on its own, although it may recur occasionally.

Rarely, eye twitching may be the earliest sign of a chronic movement disorder, especially if other facial spasms develop in addition to the eye twitching.

Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

NEXT:

Causes