What does it mean when your left or right eye is twitching?

Eye twitching is a common phenomenon many of us experience from time to time but it doesn't always mean that something has gone terribly wrong with our vision. In some cases, it may be a sign that you need to consult your doctor. In this article, we will review all you need to know about the meaning of eye twitching and the common causes.

What does eye twitching mean physically?

An eye twitch occurs when the muscle in the eye or the eyelid experiences uncontrollable movements or spasms. In medical terms, this is called Blepharospasm which often occurs in the upper eyelid. If your eyelid keeps moving every few seconds then it means that you are suffering from the eye twitching phenomenon.

Types of Eye Twitching:

There are three major types of eye twitches identified by experts and they are as follows: 

1.Minor twitch: 

A minor twitch is the most common type which occurs often. This type is caused by excess caffeine in the body, stress or fatigue.

2.Benign blepharospasm: 

This type occurs in individuals who are in their mid to late adulthood and may get worse over time. Also, women are more at risk than men but it is not as common as the mild variant. It may start as persistent blinking then degenerate into eye irritation. People with Benign blepharospasm require urgent medical attention.

3.Hemifacial spasm: 

A hemifacial spasm is very rare and affects not only the eye but mouth muscles. It is also different from the other types of twitches because it affects only one side of the face and requires urgent medical attention.

Causes of Eye Twitching

Different things may cause the human eye to twitch uncontrollably.

1. Alcohol

2. Fatigue

3. Smoking

4. Stress

5. Sensitivity to light

6. Side effects from epilepsy and psychosis medication.

Then there are other diseases related causes like:

1. Multiple Sclerosis

2. Parkinson's disease

3. Brain damage

4. Dystonia

5. Bell's Palsy

Eye twitching may last for a few minutes to a whole day or in worse cases, days or weeks. If the condition persists, it will affect the quality of life of the sufferer.

Medical attention for an eye twitch: To what extent does eye twitch may result in a medical problem?

So when is it advisable to seek medical attention for any eye twitch or how do you know that the situation has become critical?  These are the symptoms to look out for.

1. If it lasts for 7 days or more

2. If it affects other face muscles

3. If your eyes are shut completely

4. Eyes redness/swelling/itching or all three

When the twitches become persistent then it is a sign that something has gone terribly wrong. Your doctor will most likely run quick tests on you and if he or she suspects that it is a brain or a nerve problem they will likely refer you to a neurologist. But don't jump to a conclusion after a few days since your eye twitches may be down to stress or a reaction to a medication you are taking.

What does eye twitching mean spiritually?     

In some cultures, they have a meaning for eye twitching. According to adherents of these cultures, a person's eye doesn't just start twitching out of the blue. Is it the left or the right eye or both? The regularity and time of occurrence all have different spiritual meanings. So what is the meaning of eye twitching in these customs?

1.Right Eye: If the right eye is twitching they interpret that to be a sign of good luck.

2.Left Eye: A left eye twitching is a sign of bad luck according to these cultures.

In countries like India and Nepal, a right eye twitch for men signifies good luck but bad luck for women. But if it is the left eye, it means good luck for women and bad luck for men.

Other spiritual meanings

Pupil twitching: Good luck

Upper eye part: Additional income

Lover part: Unexpected expenses

Upper eyelid: Goodnews

Upper eyebrow: Good news or a child is on the way

While these beliefs cannot be substantiated, many cultures still believe that the meaning of eye twitching plays a crucial role in their lives.

More articles:

How does astigmatism affect glasses lens thickness?

How to know if you need glasses?

What are 20/10, 20/20, and 20/40 vision?

What is CYL, AXIS and SPH in eye prescription?

Explained: Why do new glasses make you dizzy?

Nearsighted vs farsighted vision: differences and glasses guides

Everything about an eye exam you should know