Eyelid trembling: how to stop it?
Written by: Loris Vitry (holistic coach)
Validated by: Cathy Maillot (Osteopath)
Caution: If you have any medical questions or concerns, please speak to your doctor. Even if the articles on this site are based on scientific studies, they do not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
After a stressful day at work, it sometimes happens that you have the feeling that your eyelids are shaking.
This is a common phenomenon that for the most part is temporary and not really serious.
We speak in these cases of blepharospasm or ocular spasm.
It is manifested by the contraction of the orbicularis muscles of the eyelid.
There are various causes of eyelid tremor.
Although the most common factor is stress, it is important to note that it can also be caused by other factors like alcohol consumption or caffeine.
Also, general fatigue, dehydration and many other factors can cause blepharospasm.
Find more information on the causes and solutions to consider for eyelid tremors later in this article.
Causes of eyelid tremor
Before taking any steps to end eyelid shake, it is important to know the causes.
Indeed, to date, involuntary eyelid tremor has no scientifically proven cause.
However, it is recognized that the phenomenon can be favored by several factors.
Usually these are the following factors:
- stress,
- excessive consumption of stimulants such as caffeine,
- excessive alcohol consumption,
- lack of sleep,
- lack of tears or dry eyes,
- lack of vitamins (Potassium, calcium, magnesium),
- ingestion of certain medications,
- drug use,
- eye diseases such as glaucoma, eye inflammation or blepharitis,
- neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and dystonia although these cases are very rare.
Eyelid tremor is a minor and temporary problem.
However, very rarely they persist and require medical support, as they may be related to a neurological disorder.
Methods to stop eyelid tremor
To alleviate the eyelid tremor problem, no proper treatment is required, but there are some very effective methods and practices to stop eyelid tremor.
Close and open your eyes with force
When the tremor is repetitive for a few minutes, opening and closing your eyes forcefully and repeating it several times is a good idea.
This action will naturally allow the eyes to produce tears and provide relief by rehydrating your eyes.
However, during exercise, if the tremors get worse, stop the action immediately and see a doctor.
Hydrate properly
It is advisable to drink eight to ten glasses of two hundred milliliters of water per day to considerably prevent eyelid tremors
Sleep about eight hours a day
Fatigue is one of the main causes of involuntary eyelid tremors.
For optimal rest, it is not recommended to stay in front of your mobile phone late at night and even watch TV.
Thus the eyes will not suffer from the light of the screens before resting.
Consume foods rich in vitamins
Lack of magnesium, calcium and potassium can cause eye spasms.
This requires consuming foods rich in calcium (oranges, milk, parsley, parmesan), foods rich in magnesium (bananas, seafood, dark chocolate) and foods rich in potassium ( fruits and vegetables).
Solve the problem of dry eye
Dry eye is a major contributor to eyelid tremor, so there are some ways to prevent it.
- Avoid smoking.
- Use sunglasses for eye protection.
- Use an air humidifier.
- Avoid places with high pollution.
- Drink lots of water.
- Take regular breaks when working at a computer.
- Dramatically reduce the consumption of stimulants.
The consumption of stimulants such as caffeine and certain drugs are known to be elements causing fasciculation.
To do this, avoid them as much as possible and take water instead.
Avoid stress
Known as a trigger for ocular fasciculations, it is important to avoid it as much as possible by doing the following:
- Take breaks during work.
- Do relaxation exercises.
- Practice regular physical activity.
- Do activities you love.
- Take time off and travel.
- Go out with friends or colleagues.
Massage of the lower eyelid
To perform this massage, it is necessary to take care to disinfect his hands and his face before to avoid any irritation.
Then, with the middle finger, slowly circular movements on the lower eyelid for a few seconds.
This exercise helps stimulate the muscles of the eyelid and has already proven its worth.
Take an eyewash
For this trick, just sprinkle cold water or place an ice cube over the eyes after closing them.
This simple method is effective because it allows the blood vessels in the eye to constrict.
Then you repeat the same process, but this time with hot water at a bearable temperature.
This second step dilates the blood vessels.
You can repeat eight to ten times during a session.
Some grandma’s techniques can also be very effective in relieving eyelid tremor.
Among these techniques, we can cite the inhalation of water vapor accompanied by a few drops of eucalyptus.
This technique is very common in sub-Saharan Africa.
Another well-known technique is to heat a sterilized tissue or compress to a bearable temperature and place it over the eye until it cools.
Chamomile and blueberry leaves can also be boiled and used to rehydrate the eyes.
Prevention of ocular fasciculation
Eye fasciculation most of the time does not require treatment so preventing it comes down to taking some simple steps.
It’s about hydrating properly, avoiding stress and getting good rest.
Also, take appropriate measures to avoid fatigue and dryness of the eye, as these two main factors are along with stress and drug use the triggers for eyelid tremor.
That’s why reducing stress, dry eyes, and eating healthy will help keep you from the discomfort.
It is important to know that if the tremor is due to a disease like neurological disorders and eye disease, treating the condition should relieve and stop the eyelid tremor.
If despite the arrangements and methods employed the tremor continues significantly, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
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