Eye twitching is a movement or spasm of the eyelid or eye muscles that cannot be controlled. The most common type of eye twitching is called myokymia, which is a benign condition that can happen to most people at some point in their lives. It can involve the lower or upper eyelid and usually lasts for a few minutes to a few hours. However, if the twitching is chronic and persistent, it may be a sign of a more severe condition called benign essential blepharospasm.

Benign essential blepharospasm is a movement disorder of the muscles around the eye, and it starts out as increased blinking of both eyes and may lead to the eyelids being squeezed shut. This type of twitching is uncommon but can be extremely severe, affecting all aspects of life. Hemifacial spasm is another type of twitching that involves muscles on one side of the face, including the eyelid.

The exact cause of eye twitching is not known, but it can be caused or aggravated by a range of factors, including stress, eye strain, certain drugs and medications, caffeine, dry or irritated eyes, and insufficient sleep. Eye twitching is temporary in most cases and goes away on its own. However, medication and occasionally surgery can address more persistent cases.