They are small, involuntary contractions that occur in the orbicularis oculi muscle and mainly affect the lower eyelid.

Surely if I tell you about a small tremor in the eyelid lasting seconds, it sounds familiar. You know what I mean. Those tremors have a name: eyelid myokymia. They are small, involuntary contractions that occur in the orbicularis oculi muscle and mainly affect the lower eyelid.

Although we notice them intensely, others do not usually perceive it because the eye does not close. There is still no definite cause but it is known that they are related to fatigue, stress, anxiety, certain medications or the consumption of stimulant substances (caffeine and theine).

Although they are annoying, they are rarely a sign of a serious illness and generally occur in isolation. Resting, lubricating the eye, and reducing stress and anxiety are enough for most people.

However, there are those who suffer from it for several days and even months. When should we go to the ophthalmologist? Whenever it lasts for several weeks or is accompanied by other symptoms, for example the eyes closing completely involuntarily or involving the movement of other facial muscle groups, such as the cheek.

The treatment will depend on the intensity and will range from avoiding the factors that can cause it (for example, avoiding caffeine if this is the case) to, in the most serious patients, injecting botulinum toxin.

*Cristina Abascal is an ophthalmologist at the University Clinic of Navarra.