Eyelid spasm (Eyelid twitches) is a repetitive, involuntary spasm of the eyelid muscles. A twitch usually occurs in the upper lid, although it can occur in both the upper and lower lids. For most people, these spasms are very mild and feel like a gentle tug on the eyelid. Others may experience a spasm strong enough that it forces you to close your eyelid completely. Some people never have any noticeable signs.

Spasms typically occur every few seconds for a minute or two. Episodes of eyelid twitching are unpredictable—the twitch may occur off and on for several days. Then, you may not have any for weeks or even months. The twitches are painless and harmless, though they may be a nuisance. Most spasms will resolve on their own without the need for treatment. In rare cases, eyelid spasms may be an early warning sign of a chronic movement disorder, especially if the spasms are accompanied by other facial twitches or uncontrollable movements.

Treatment for eyelid spasms varies. For regular eyelid twitch, there isn’t really a treatment since they go away on their own. People can take precautions to help prevent them in the future such as cutting back on their sugar, sugar substitutes, and caffeine. For Essential Belpharospams, Botulinum, or Botox, injection is usually the action of choice. On the downside this treatment may need to be repeated every several months. Hemifacial spasms are a bit more serious and may require surgery to help alleviate the pressure from the artery of the nerve.

Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the natural elements and rhythms of the earth. As part of the natural world, the human body has processes and conditions that can mimic natural elements such as heat and cold -- think fever and chills. Twitching and muscle spasms, especially those that move around or come and go, are are akin to "wind" in Chinese medicine theory. Wind can lead to congested energy, qi, that isn't able to circulate properly, according to TCM theory. Called qi stagnation, this phenomenon can lead to muscle weakness and contraction. Continue to read Chinese medicine Treatment for Blepharitis.