Alejandra Stivaletta, MD: "That involuntary eyelid twitching is a sign that your nervous system is at its limit."

Many people mistake this strange eye movement for a simple, unimportant nerve spasm. However, it can be a clear sign that something is wrong. According to Alejandra Stivaletta , a physician, this phenomenon, called orbicularis oculi myokymia , is a warning from the nervous system when it is overwhelmed.

It's an involuntary contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle of the eyelid that, while not painful, does cause discomfort. " It's your body saying enough ," emphasizes the doctor, who warns that this symptom shouldn't be ignored, as it could be a reflection of accumulated stress , lack of rest , or too much caffeine .

Reasons behind eye twitching

This type of tremor usually appears after periods of physical and mental exhaustion , poor sleep quality, or an overly demanding lifestyle. It can also be caused by high doses of alcohol , as well as nutritional deficiencies , especially potassium deficiencies. "This often ignored tremor is not nervous in the emotional sense, but neurological," warns the doctor.

A life marked by excesses and insufficient rest can trigger these types of symptoms.

Daily routines play a key role in the development of this spasm. A life marked by excess and insufficient rest can trigger these types of symptoms, which, in most cases, are temporary but bothersome.

Measures to relieve myokymia

Changing some habits can make a difference. The doctor recommends reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption, sleeping at least half an hour more each day , and incorporating potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, avocados, and spinach.

It's also helpful to take regular breaks every 45 minutes if you work in front of screens for long hours. These changes, while simple, can help slow the tremors and prevent them from becoming more serious.

When to consult a specialist

In some cases, involuntary eyelid movements can intensify and lead to a more complex condition known as blepharospasm . "In these cases, the eye may even close involuntarily ," explains Stivaletta, who recommends seeking medical attention if symptoms recur or worsen.

In these situations, specialists may consider using neuromodulators to control the spasms. However, the most important thing is to detect early signs of the body's fatigue.

Listening to the body is key

Nervous system overload doesn't always manifest itself with obvious symptoms. Sometimes, a simple eye twitch can be the body's way of asking for help. According to Stivaletta, recognizing these signs is the first step to preserving neurological health.

“A small twitch in the eye may be shouting what you don't want to see yet: that your nervous system needs a break , ” concludes the doctor, inviting us to become aware of the body's limits and to act before fatigue takes its toll.