Eye twitching refers to the involuntary muscle spasms of your eyelid muscles in the absence of eye irritation or any type of eye injury.
An eyelid spasm typically occurs for no clear reason and doesn’t cause pain, but it can be a nuisance.
Find out about the common causes of eye twitching and learn how to stop and prevent twitching naturally.
What causes eyelid twitching?
Eyelid twitches or eyelid spasms, also known as tetany, usually occur in your left upper eyelid but can also develop in your right eye. Occasionally, tetany occurs on the arm, nose, or even the lip.
According to research published in Case Reports, harmless eye twitching that typically affects the lower eyelid is known as eyelid myokymia.1
Eye twitching is often caused by a mineral deficiency affecting the facial nerve. Hypocalcemia, or low calcium, is one of the most common causes of eye twitching.
Calcium deficiency is typically linked to poor dietary habits, high phosphorus levels, or low parathyroid hormone production.
Alkalosis can also cause hypocalcemia. Normal blood pH should be between 7.35 and 7.45. When your blood pH rises higher than this, it’s known as alkalosis.
In a state of alkalosis, the calcium in your blood is no longer free and binds with the proteins in your blood called albumin. This essentially blocks calcium from being absorbed.
Several factors can contribute to alkalosis, including:
- Diuretic use
- Excessive antacid consumption
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Chronic stress
- Low potassium levels
- Low stomach acid
Lastly, hypomagnesemia or low magnesium levels may also cause eye twitching, as magnesium plays a crucial role in nerve function and muscle contractions.
How to stop eye twitching
Apple cider vinegar can help address alkalosis and improve calcium balance. It can also help to make your stomach more acidic, increasing your ability to absorb calcium and other important minerals such as magnesium.
To help eliminate eye twitches, it’s recommended to mix one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and consume before or with a meal.
Eye twitching prevention
Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to prevent eye twitching. Consuming a variety of vegetables ensures a proper intake of essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Adopting a Healthy Keto® lifestyle and intermittent fasting can also help reduce the risk of alkalosis, supporting optimal mineral absorption and muscle function.
Additionally, maintaining optimal vitamin D levels is crucial for calcium balance and nerve function, both of which are key in preventing muscle spasms and twitching.
When to see a doctor
According to research published in StatPearls, eye twitching and eyelid myokymia are generally benign.2
However the authors also note, “It may be the initial presentation of other diseases which can affect other muscles on one or both sides of the face: hemifacial spasm, essential blepharospasm, meige syndrome, or spastic-paretic facial contracture.”
If you have chronic or severe eyelid twitching, twitching of the facial muscles, sensitivity to light, abnormal blinking, eye irritation, or pain, you should consult a healthcare provider.
In rare cases, persistent eye twitching may indicate a neurological condition called benign essential blepharospasm. If you have this disorder, the twitching may worsen over time and could be accompanied by facial spasms.
In more severe cases, blepharospasm can cause the eyelid to completely close. Botox injections, which use botulinum toxin, are sometimes used as a treatment for this condition.
Key takeaways
In most cases, eye twitching is harmless and will resolve on its own. Incorporating apple cider vinegar, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing stress can help prevent and alleviate eye twitching.
However, if you experience chronic or persistent eye twitching, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying health issues.
FAQ
1. Why is my eye twitching?
There are a number of reasons why your eye might be twitching. Low calcium levels, inadequate magnesium intake, and alkalosis are the most common causes of eye twitching.
2. When should I be worried about eye twitching?
Mild twitching is rarely serious, but chronic or severe cases of eyelid twitching are sometimes associated with nervous system or movement disorders.
If your eye twitching becomes severe, persists, or is accompanied by symptoms such as light sensitivity, involuntary blinking, blurry vision, or eye pain, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
3. What deficiency causes eye twitching?
Eye twitching can be triggered by deficiencies in key minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These minerals play essential roles in nerve function and muscle contraction, and a lack of them can lead to muscle spasms or twitching, including in the eye.
4. How do I stop my eye from twitching?
A healthy diet that provides the body with plenty of magnesium, potassium, and calcium can help stop an eye twitch.
Apple cider vinegar may help alleviate eyelid twitching by promoting a balanced pH in the body, which can enhance the absorption of essential minerals needed for proper nerve and muscle function.
5. Can calcium deficiency cause eye twitching?
Yes. Calcium deficiency is one of the most common causes of eye twitching.
6. How do I prevent eye twitching?
A nutrient-rich diet that includes plenty of vegetables is one of the most effective ways to ensure adequate intake of key minerals that help prevent eye twitching.
Sources
Related Articles
-
Dark Circles Under Eyes: Causes and Natural Remedies
Health concernsDark Circles Under Eyes: Causes and Natural Remedies
Dark circles under eyes are a common issue that can influence how you look and feel. While often attributed to genetics or lack of sleep, these under-eye shadows may reflect…04/09/2025 18.1k views -
Natural Remedies for Glaucoma
Health concernsNatural Remedies for Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a degenerative condition that affects the optic nerve in the eye, leading to progressive vision loss and potentially irreversible blindness if not properly managed. Discover six natural remedies…04/09/2025 20.3k views -
7 Important Vitamins and Nutrients for Eye Health
Health concerns7 Important Vitamins and Nutrients for Eye Health
At a glance Good vision depends on proper nutrition, and several key vitamins and nutrients play vital roles in supporting eye health. Nutrients such as vitamins A, C, D, and…04/09/2025 23.3k views -
For Inflamed Eyelids Do This
Health concernsFor Inflamed Eyelids Do This
When finding a natural remedy for inflammatory eyelids, many feel frustrated and unsure where to turn. The irritation and distress caused by swollen eyelids, or blepharitis, can be very troubling….04/09/2025 10.3k views -
How to Reduce Floaters in Eyes Naturally
Health concernsHow to Reduce Floaters in Eyes Naturally
At a glance Eye floaters are tiny collagen clumps that cast small shadows on the retina. Factors such as age, metabolic issues, eye injuries, and inflammation can contribute to their…04/09/2025 39.3k views -
Colloidal Silver for Pink Eye – Conjunctivitis Remedy
Health concernsColloidal Silver for Pink Eye – Conjunctivitis Remedy
At a glance Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, occurs when the thin membrane covering the eye and eyelid becomes inflamed due to viral, bacterial, or allergic causes. It leads to redness,…04/08/2025 50k views -
How Much Krill Oil Should You Take Per Day?
Health concernsHow Much Krill Oil Should You Take Per Day?
At a glance Are you wondering how much krill oil you should take per day? Krill oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin, which have been…04/08/2025 12.7k views
