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.
What Is 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:
- Dry eyes
- Eye irritation
- Light sensitivity
- Increased blinking
- Vision problems
What Causes Eye Twitching During Pregnancy?
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:
- Hormonal changes
- Stress
- Tiredness
- Vitamin deficiencies
The most common causes can be managed by prioritizing rest, taking prenatal vitamins, and eating a balanced diet.
Other Causes of Eye Twitching
Several factors unrelated to pregnancy can trigger eye twitching, such as:
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes
- Dry eyes
- Allergies
- Digital eye strain
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:
- Brain damage from a stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Hemifacial spasm
- Bell’s palsy
How to Manage Eye Twitching During Pregnancy?
The good news is that eye twitching during pregnancy typically disappears independently. However, specific lifestyle changes can help manage the condition, such as:
- Getting enough sleep
- Reducing stress levels
- Practicing relaxation techniques
- Reduce caffeine intake
- Take your vitamins and minerals
- Hydrate
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.
When to Seek Medical 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:
- Pain
- Redness
- Discharge
- Facial weakness
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.
Medical Treatments
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.
Other Eye Symptoms During Pregnancy
It’s normal for you to experience other pregnancy-related eye symptoms, including:
- Migraines: hormone fluctuations can heighten your risk of developing ocular migraines
- Blurred vision: water retention can affect your eyes, changing your cornea temporarily, which can alter your vision
- Floaters: blood pressure or glucose level changes in pregnancy can cause floaters, little bits of the vitreous gel in your eyes to become visible
However, not all eye symptoms in pregnancy are harmless. You should consult your optometrist if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent flashes: while occasional flashes are standard, this can be a sign of a detached retina
- Vision problems: dramatic changes in your vision can be an early sign of preeclampsia
Schedule Regular Eye Exams to Support Whole Body Health
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.
