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2025.10.04
Why is my eye twitching? What are the causes and solutions?
A dual-specialty doctor with a background in plastic surgery, bridging cosmetic surgery and ophthalmology. At the university hospital, he performed numerous high-difficulty cases, primarily focusing on eye and facial bone surgeries, cultivating precise techniques grounded in anatomy. He prioritizes achieving both aesthetic beauty and functional safety, offering customized treatments around the eyes that incorporate ophthalmological expertise. He actively utilizes not only incisional surgery but also non-invasive procedures like hyaluronic acid injections. By carefully assessing each individual's condition and unique appeal, he provides bespoke treatments that guide patients toward naturally harmonious, well-defined eyes.
Hello, I'm Ryutaro Natsume, an image designer and cosmetic surgeon.
Your eyelid keeps twitching—that's uncomfortable, isn't it?
This time, we'll explain the causes and countermeasures.
Eyelid myokymia
I believe this is the number one cause of eyelid twitching for many people. A portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle, which surrounds the eye, twitches.
It typically lasts from a few minutes to a few hours and resolves naturally.
It occurs on the lower eyelid of one eye and is characterized by irregular, small movements that do not affect blinking.
Stress, lack of sleep, and prolonged use of smartphones or computers are considered causes of eye strain, which can lead to irritability.
Get plenty of sleep, refresh yourself, and rest to avoid straining your eyes. This will help improve the situation.
If you frequently use smartphones or computers for work and find it difficult to take breaks, use Sancoba eye drops to relieve eye strain.
If dry eye is also present, we will treat it concurrently.
Blepharospasm
Eyelid twitching can be understood as an "abnormal control of blinking" or a "malfunction in switching between eyelid opening and closing."
An abnormality occurs in the orbicularis oculi muscle, preventing rhythmic blinking. Symptoms appear in both eyes.
Symptoms such as heavy eyelids, sensitivity to light, and dry eyes may occur. In severe cases, the eyes may become unable to open without manually pulling the eyelids apart.
Eyelid myokymia usually resolves naturally within a few days, but eyelid spasm can be difficult to treat and may require long-term management.
It is more common in women aged 40 to 50 years and older. It is estimated that there are at least 300,000 to 500,000 patients in Japan.
Treatment involves Botox injections to suppress orbicularis oculi muscle movement. While extensive excision of the orbicularis oculi muscle is sometimes performed, recurrence rates are high, and it is not considered a particularly active treatment option.
Treatment is available even if covered by insurance (at our clinic, it will be self-pay).
Hemifacial spasm
Eyelid myokymia and blepharospasm primarily occur due to the orbicularis oculi muscle.
Hemifacial spasm is caused by the facial nerve. The facial nerve controls the muscles of facial expression, including the orbicularis oculi muscle.
Facial nerves emerge from the brainstem, the central part of the brain. When nearby arteries compress these nerves, abnormal signals are sent to them, causing facial muscles in unintended areas to contract involuntarily.
In the early stages, only the area around the eyelids may twitch, and it may be diagnosed as blepharospasm or eyelid myokymia. However, as it progresses, symptoms also appear on the cheeks and mouth.
As a fundamental treatment, neurosurgery can perform surgery to relieve nerve compression.
The decision on whether surgery is indicated is made by neurosurgery, so we recommend consulting a neurosurgeon first.
As a symptomatic treatment, Botox is used to suppress excessively active facial muscles.
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Summary
This time, we explained the causes and countermeasures for eye twitching.
Treatment varies depending on the diagnosis, so it's difficult to determine on your own. Please feel free to consult us.
In some cases, we may ask you to visit specialized departments such as ophthalmology or neurosurgery.
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※There are various approaches to aesthetic medicine, and opinions and practices may differ among physicians. Please consider the information provided here as one reference only, and we hope you will choose medical care that suits you and meets your expectations.
We apologize if any unintended inaccuracies or misleading expressions were included. In such cases, we will make appropriate corrections or additions.
【Profile】
Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ryutaro Natsume
https://biancaclinic.jp/doctor/natsume/
Performed numerous facial surgeries, particularly focusing on the eye area and facial bones, in the field of plastic surgery.
Regarding treatments for the eye area, I believe that not only aesthetic appearance but also ophthalmic functionality is extremely important. To provide safer and more reliable treatments, I am currently deepening my expertise as an ophthalmologist.
We actively incorporate non-surgical procedures such as hyaluronic acid injections, in addition to treatments requiring surgical instruments.
From a multifaceted professional perspective encompassing cosmetic surgery, cosmetic dermatology, reconstructive surgery, and ophthalmology
BIANCA CLINIC, a leading Japanese clinic specializing in beauty and regenerative medicine, provides the latest aesthetic treatments.
【Career】
2020: Graduated from Tokyo Medical University Tokyo Metropolitan Saiseikai Central Hospital
2022 Jikei University Hospital Department of Plastic Surgery
2023 Department of Plastic Surgery Jikei University School of Medicine Kashiwa Hospital
2024 BIANCA CLINIC
【Professional Affiliations/Qualifications】
Japanese Society of Aesthetic Surgery (JSAS)
Full Member of the Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Full Member of the Japanese Society of Craniofacial Surgery
Full Member of the Japanese Ophthalmological Society
Full Member of the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Medicine
【SNS】
Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/dr.natsume?igsh=OHBvd3VtajV1bmY1&utm_source=qr
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