Ophthalmologist Questions Uncontrollable blinking

My eyelids are suddenly blinking a lot and then it settles on its own. What causes it?

Lately I have been noticing that my eyelids have been blinking a lot. It does settle own on its own. It almost feels like a twitch. What could be the reason for this sudden blinking movement?

6 Answers

Eyelid twitches or spasms are usually caused by stress, fatigue or caffeine. They usually go away without treatment in a few days or weeks. If they are not improving a complete ophthalmologic exam should be performed.
Occasional eyelid spasms can happen because of some kind of stress, often from too much caffeine or lack of sleep or emotional stress, but also from localized irritation such as an in-turned eyelash, early infection, or eyelid laxity with the eyelid turning in. If it only occurs occasionally and resolves spontaneously and there isn't redness or blurred vision, you can apply a cool cloth to the lid and not worry about it. If it persists and happens a lot more often, you should be checked by your eye doctor.
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While there are many possibilities, the most likely is that your eyes have become somewhat dry. The blinking is to spread what tears you have over the drying surface. Once that is done, the signal to blink ends leading to what you feel is "settling." But the dryness underlies this, comes up again and the process repeats itself. You can try to interrupt this process by using lubricating eye drops to break the pattern. If it persists after that, then see an ophthalmologist to see if there is another problem.
The reason for the blinking is called Blepharospasm. It is any abnormal contraction or twitch of the eyelid caused by muscle contraction around the eyelids. Botox injections done by a professional is one treatment for this type of condition.
If it's both eyes, it may be dry eye syndrome and blepharitis. If it's unilateral and associated with some spasm on the same side of face, you may need neuro-imaging.
Many possibilities like localised irritants, dust particles, nerve overactive responses and blepharospasms if persistent.