Pregnancy can bring a host of changes to your body ranging from aches and pains to increased appetite. One unexpected change that can occur during pregnancy is eye twitching. While it may feel alarming, eye twitching is harmless in most cases and tends to go away on its own.
Eye twitching can be common in pregnancy because of natural hormonal fluctuations, elevated stress, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and increased fatigue.
However, if the condition persists, it may indicate an underlying medical condition. For extra peace of mind, visit your optometrist for a complete eye exam to assess your eye twitching.
Chances are you’ve experienced sudden, uncontrollable eye movements before. That annoying feeling when your eyelid twitches or spasms is called eye twitching or myokymia. Eye twitching is a common and usually harmless condition that resolves on its own within a few days.
Persistent and recurring eye twitching can result from benign essential blepharospasm (BEB), a movement disorder. This can lead to visual disturbances and problems with your visual system, and you should consult with your optometrist for treatment to manage the irritating symptoms.
Eye spasms may also develop alongside other symptoms, such as:
When there’s involuntary movement of the eyelid muscles, it can result in a twitch in usually one single eye. During pregnancy, eye twitching is likely to be related to:
The most common causes can be managed by prioritizing rest, taking prenatal vitamins, and eating a balanced diet.
Several factors unrelated to pregnancy can trigger eye twitching, such as:
In most cases, eye twitching is a benign condition, but it can also be a sign of underlying health problems related to the brain or nervous system, including:
The good news is that eye twitching during pregnancy typically disappears independently. However, specific lifestyle changes can help manage the condition, such as:
If you spend a lot of time in front of a computer or a phone screen, taking frequent breaks and doing exercises to relax your eyes may also help.
It is essential to seek care from your optometrist if the condition is persistent, affects your vision, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as:
Your optometrist can perform a comprehensive eye exam to rule out any underlying medical issues and recommend treatment options depending on the cause of the twitching.
If your eye twitching persists or worsens, your optometrist may recommend medical treatments to ease your symptoms. For instance, BEB is a progressive condition that often requires treatments such as neuromodulator injections to relax the muscles, oral medications, or surgery.
It’s normal for you to experience other pregnancy-related eye symptoms, including:
However, not all eye symptoms in pregnancy are harmless. You should consult your optometrist if you’re experiencing:
Your eyes can be affected by your body’s changes in pregnancy, lifestyle habits, or other health concerns. Regular eye exams can help keep your eyes healthy, no matter what your body is experiencing.
If you notice persistent or severe twitching or other symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional help to rule out any underlying health problems. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Vivid Eye Care and take care of your eyes by adopting healthy habits and following your optometrist’s recommendations.
We can help you keep your eyes healthy and free from twitching with proper care and attention.
