An eyelid twitch, or myokymia, is a repetitive, involuntary spasm of the eyelid muscles. A twitch usually occurs in the upper lid, but it can occur in both the upper and lower lids.For most people, these spasms are very mild and feel like a gentle tug on the eyelid.Others may experience a spasm strong enough to force both eyelids to close completely. This is a different condition called blepharospasm.
Spasms typically occur every few seconds for a minute or two.Episodes of eyelid twitching are unpredictable. The twitch may occur off and on for several days.
Then, you may not experience any twitching for weeks or even months.The twitches are painless and harmless, but they may bother you. Most spasms will resolve on their own without the need for treatment.
In rare cases, eyelid spasms may be an early warning sign of a chronic movement disorder, especially if the spasms are accompanied by other facial twitches or uncontrollable movements.
