Involuntary eye movement

I was wondering if this is an eye problem or maybe a neurological problem or even just anxiety? Basically, trying to figure out whom I should go to first before spending money I don’t have on unnecessary visits. I answered some questions I found below.

Female - 27



When was it first noticed? About 3 weeks ago

How often does it occur? Extremely often

Has it ever happened before? Before this, no

Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same? It‘s gotten worse (more frequent) since I first noticed it. It lessens at night and first thing in the morning - progresses throughout the day. It also lessens when I focus on not doing it or when I’ve been alone for an extended period of time.

Are there side-to-side eye movements? Maybe three or four times a day they go to the side involuntarily.

Are there up-and-down eye movements? I would say every couple mins (if not more often) it feels like I’m “rolling” or “cutting” my eyes - I don’t know if that counts for up and down. Sometimes it will do it repetitively. I am also blinking a lot.

What medications are being taken? Metaformin and lessee birth control - both for PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome)

What other symptoms are present? Had a sinus headache for 6 days about 2 weeks after the eye movement started - took Sudafed sinus headache medicine for 4 days and the headache is now gone. Not sure if that has anything at all to do with it.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Hello jmcoulson.  I share your concern about involuntary eye movements. This needs to be thoroughly evaluated. If you live in a large metropolitan area and an appointment with a neuro-ophthalmologist can be scheduled within a week I would go that route. If none are available or you would have to wait 2-8 weeks for exam then I would see a board certfied ophthalmologist. Your personal physician may be able to recommend one and even may get you an appointment in a day or two. One could not contribute this to anxiety until all organic disease has been ruled out.

Again your symptoms are concern causing and deserve a prompt neuro-ophthalmology work up.

JCH III MD  Eye Physician & Surgeon

[mjcoulson]

Thank you - I will start making arrangments today