Eye Twitching

Right eye started twitching about 3 weeks ago.  Happens at least once a day on and off for up to half hour.  I feel as if the eyelid is heavy/closing/? but it looks fine.  Today the eye ached for about 2 minutes. I am on medication for moderate anxiety plus depression and not prone to "attacks" anymore.  Even so I am 'anxious'. Have a history of moderate migraines, ususally on the left side, but lately I have had two flashing light episodes (usually painless) in about one week (ususally once in a while, literally) plus some aching on right side of head and illness last weekend.  I also suffer from TMJ, bilateral that worsened after a rear end collision a year ago.

[Forum-OD-MP]

The twitching is called "myokymia".  Its a kind of spasm of your eyelid muscles, usually benign.  Most people can stop it temporarily with a warm compress, but it sometimes returns.  It is most often caused by lack of sleep, but it sounds like you have other known neurological problems which could be contributing.

I have had some success in my office prescribing topical antihistamines like optivar or patanol to control myokymia.

[RunningL8]

I just wrote you a note in response to your comment below.  As for eye twitching, I've been told it's harmless (and usually stress-related).

[KBea]

Well, stress makes sense!!!!!

[ilogik]

wow this place is great!!! I have found answers to 3 medical questions I had.  Big thnx to the contributing docs :)