A prominent NHS GP known for her appearances on the BBC recently shared advice for individuals worried about eyelid twitching. Dr. Punam Krishan made an appearance on BBC Morning Live to discuss various eye health topics with hosts Gethin Jones and Sara Cox. During the conversation, Sara humorously mentioned experiencing eye twitches after a long day and sought an explanation for this common occurrence.
Dr. Krishan explained that eyelid twitching is typically an involuntary muscle spasm of the eyes, often triggered by factors like fatigue, stress, excessive caffeine intake, lack of rest, and prolonged screen time. Emphasizing the importance of identifying and addressing these triggers, she recommended lifestyle adjustments such as getting adequate rest, reducing caffeine consumption, staying hydrated, managing stress levels, and taking regular screen breaks.
In cases where lifestyle changes do not alleviate the twitching, Dr. Krishan highlighted the potential role of nutritional imbalances, particularly mentioning magnesium deficiency as a possible cause. She advised seeking medical advice if the twitching persists despite addressing lifestyle factors, as further investigations may be necessary.
Regarding overall eye care, Dr. Krishan stressed the significance of regular visits to opticians to maintain eye health and prevent potential issues. She emphasized the need to prioritize eye health and not take vision for granted, urging individuals to seek professional guidance promptly if any concerns arise.
According to the NHS website, eye twitches are common and usually harmless, often resolving on their own. However, prolonged or recurrent twitches lasting more than two weeks should prompt a consultation with a GP. The NHS also notes that twitches can affect various body parts and recommends seeking medical attention if twitches persist, occur in multiple locations, or are accompanied by weakness or stiffness in the affected area, especially if medication side effects are suspected.