Ocular Myokymia
ocular myokymia meaning: Ocular myokymia, also known as eye twitching, is a common condition that affects many individuals at some point in their lives. It is characterised by involuntary twitching of the eyelid muscles, which can range from mild to severe and can last for seconds, minutes, or even days. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and management of ocular myokymia.
What is Ocular Myokymia?
Myokymia pronunciation: Myokymia (pronounced mai-ow-KAI-mee-uh)
Ocular myokymia is a repetitive involuntary spasm of the muscles surrounding the eye. This condition is not serious and usually resolves on its own without any treatment. However, in some cases, it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm.
Common Causes of Ocular Myokymia
The exact cause of ocular myokymia is not known. However, some common factors that may trigger this condition include stress, anxiety, fatigue, caffeine intake, alcohol consumption, and eye strain. Additionally, certain medications, such as antihistamines, can also cause eye twitching.
Types of Ocular Myokymia
There are two main types of ocular myokymia:
- Eyelid myokymia: This type of myokymia affects the eyelid muscles and causes the eyelid to twitch. Eyelid tics are the most common type of myokymia and are usually harmless. They usually affect only the bottom eyelid and only one eye at a time. But it’s possible for myokymia to include the top eyelid and for twitching to be bilateral.
- Orbicularis myokymia: This type of myokymia affects the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is responsible for closing the eyelids. It occurs when the muscle surrounding the eye (orbicularis oculi muscle) receives random motor signals from the facial nerve. This causes the muscle to spasm and twitch.
ocular myokymia symptoms and Diagnosis
ocular myokymia upper eyelid
The most common symptom of ocular myokymia is an involuntary twitching of the eyelid. Other symptoms may include a sensation of twitching or pulsing in or around the eye, increased sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.
Diagnosis of ocular myokymia is usually based on a patient’s symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may also perform an eye exam to rule out any underlying eye conditions that may be causing the twitching.
Ocular Myokemia Treatment Options
Ocular myokymia usually resolves on its own without any specific treatment. However, if it persists or becomes severe, several treatment options are available. These include:
- Stress reduction techniques: This may include relaxation exercises, meditation, or yoga.
- Reducing caffeine intake: Caffeine is known to exacerbate twitching, so reducing your intake of caffeine may help.
- Eye drops: Certain eye drops can help to reduce the severity and frequency of eye twitching.
- Botox injections: In severe cases of ocular myokymia, Botox injections may be used to paralyze the muscles that are causing the twitching.When symptoms are severe, local subcutaneous botulinum toxin A (BOTOX®) injections of 2. 5-5 units each to the affected eyelid region provide relief for 12-18 weeks(1)
Prevention and Management
There are several strategies you can use to prevent and manage ocular myokymia:
- Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can exacerbate ocular myokymia, so make sure to get enough sleep at night.
- Reduce stress: Stress is a common trigger of ocular myokymia, so try to reduce your stress levels through relaxation techniques or counseling.
- Take breaks from screen time: Staring at a computer or phone screen for extended periods can cause eye strain and exacerbate ocular myokymia. Taking regular breaks can help to reduce this effect.
- Follow 202020 rule for extended screen time
In rare cases, eyelid twitching can worsen into a condition called blepharospasm. This condition usually affects both eyes and consists of spasms that force the eyes to squint or close for periods of time.
Reference: Botox injection
Dr. Robert De Leon,
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