How to Treat an Eye Twitch
There are really three basic approaches to the treatment of blepharospasm: drug therapy, surgery and supportive or preventative therapy. Drug therapy for eye twitching is a somewhat unpredictable type of treatment and doesn't always produce long lasting results. Some drugs work for some people and not for others. Arriving at a satisfactory treatment regimen takes a great deal of patience and the direct supervision of a neurologist.
Before embarking upon a surgical treatment, most doctors will suggest a trial of BOTOX® Injections which is very often quite effective and also quite safe. BOTOX® is administered through a few tiny injections of the highly purified protein into the muscle to block nerve impulses that trigger eye twitching. BOTOX® Injections are a simple and quick, minimally invasive treatment that can deliver dramatic results for patients suffering from blepharospasm. If neither drug nor the non invasive approach of BOTOX® Injections are successful, then surgery may be considered.
Preventative measures are important. Since stress causes almost all muscle problems, including blepharospasm, to worsen, it is important to minimize and avoid stress. Whether this means embarking upon stress management through cognitive therapy, occupational therapy, or other types of group therapy or support meetings, these methods of improving and developing coping mechanisms should be explored.
In general, the approach to the treatment of blepharospasm varies with its severity.
Mild Eye Twitching
- Will usually go away on its own
- Cut down on stress
- Rest up
Severe Eye Twitching
- Medication (different depending on situation) usually to relax muscles
- Botox injections
- Surgery only for the severest of cases that hamper vision
Eye Twitch - Preventive Measures
- Stress management - keep stress under control
- Get plenty of sleep to keep eye muscles rested
- When in vision intensive scenarios such as computer work, take frequent breaks to give the eyes a break
Further Reading
A more personal article on coping with a twitching eye by guest author Sean Jones
[Page updated 12/2010]
