Health Tips
Why does your eyelid suddenly twitch?
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Sudden blinking or eyelid twitching is a very common problem in our daily lives. In Bangladesh, it is commonly called “eye jumping.” Many people become quite alarmed when it happens.
Why does it happen?
• Dry eyes
• Excessive screen time
• Allergies and dust
• Lack of sleep
• Mental stress
• Excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol
• Malnutrition and deficiencies of magnesium or calcium
Remedies
• Follow the 20-20-20 rules. After looking at a screen
continuously for 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20
seconds.
• Get 7 to 8 hours of sound sleep.
• Use artificial tears.
• Reduce consumption of tea, coffee and cold drinks.
• Use glasses with the correct prescription.
• Splash water on your eyes.
• Practice regular meditation or exercise for mental wellbeing.
• Eat foods containing calcium and magnesium, such as milk, eggs, bananas, nuts
and spinach.
If eye redness, itching and eyelid twitching persist for more than two weeks, you should consult an eye specialist.
Writer: Medical Officer, Bangladesh Eye Hospital, Dhanmondi.
