Medical Edge Newspaper Column

Eye Twitch Likely Caused By Strain, Not Diet

Jan. 15, 2006
DEAR MAYO CLINIC:
For the last six months, I have been bothered by a twitch in my right eye. Some days it doesn't bother me at all and some days it's very annoying. I wonder if I'm not getting enough calcium or too much calcium -- or too much magnesium or not enough magnesium. Am I worried about this twitch unnecessarily or could this be a symptom of some underlying disease? Should I be seeing a neurologist or an ophthalmologist?

ANSWER:
Although bothersome, an eye twitch is a common condition that usually does not require medical treatment.

Eye twitches are most often the result of eye strain, stress or fatigue. Extended periods of reading or writing may cause an eye twitch, for example. Or, an improper prescription for glasses may cause eye strain that results in twitching.

Eye twitches usually go away by themselves, but the amount of time a person has a twitch can vary widely. A twitch that comes and goes for six months, as you describe, is not out of the ordinary.

Changing your diet is not likely to make a difference. There is no evidence of a relationship between twitches and calcium, magnesium or any other vitamins or minerals. But there are steps you can take that may help. Reducing the time you spend in activities that cause eye fatigue -- such as reading, writing or working at a computer -- could decrease the twitching. If you have had your glasses prescription changed recently, confirm that it is the correct strength for your eyes, as an inaccurate prescription may cause eye strain and fatigue.

You may want to see an ophthalmologist if it seems you need a different level of correction in your glasses. If you do not have glasses, but your vision isn't as clear as it used to be, that also could be a source of eye strain. Having an ophthalmologist check your eyes would be a good idea in that situation, as well.

It's unlikely your eye twitch is the symptom of an underlying disease. At this time, a visit to a neurologist seems unnecessary. However, if the problem persists, if you have other symptoms associated with the twitch, or if the twitching becomes constant, then a consultation with a neurologist would be in order.

-- Jasper Daube, M.D., Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.