Do your eyes twitch often? Here are the reasons

Many factors like stress, anxiety, fatigue, lack of sleep, and excessive caffeine can lead to twitching of the eyes. Photo: iStock/Toa55

 In many Indian households, if someone's eye twitches, it is considered an important omen. Many believe that if a woman's left eye twitches, it means good luck is on your way and if it's the right eye, it's not auspicious. Interestingly, it's the other way around for men. Science explains that there are many factors behind such a response from your body. 
Why does eye twitching happen?
In medical science, the reason for eye twitching in males and females is called Myokymia. Involuntary muscle contractions in the eyelid often cause it. Many factors like stress, anxiety, fatigue, lack of sleep, excessive caffeine, eye strain due to improper contact of glasses, poor lighting, dry eyes, nutrient deficiencies in magnesium, potassium, and calcium, allergies, dehydration and even hormonal changes can contribute to causing eye twitching. 

When to worry about eye twitching? 
While eye twitching can ideally go away in a few weeks with stress relief, rest and decreased caffeine, you should take your doctor's help in the following circumstances, according to the Mayo Clinic: 
1) If it's difficult to open the eyes 
2) If your eyelids are drooping 
3) Twitching persists for a few weeks 
4) The area around twitching is painful, stiff or weak 
5) The eyes have a discharge and are red or swollen 
6) Eyelids closing while twitching  

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