Eye Twitches During Pregnancy

Twitching of the eye is a situation where your eye starts to spasm uncontrollably without you inducing it yourself. It occurs on both the upper and the lower eyelids and can be generally hard to control. However, most of the time they are harmless and involve just a minor movement that can be ignored. There are times though when they can be uncontrollable and even cause the shutting of the eye. Eye twitching and pregnancy is a common occurrence for many women who experience it. Here are the signs that reveal themselves during pregnancy:

Signs of Eye Twitching in Pregnancy

There are a few signs that are an indication of eye twitches:

Source: www.everydayhealth.com

• Sensitivity to light.
• Too much blinking.
• Eyes feeling too dry.
• Eyes looking tired.
• Movement of involuntary muscles around the eye area is observed.

Causes and Remedies of Eye Twitching While You’re Pregnant

There are many causes that trigger eye twitching during pregnancy’s first trimester. Here are a few of the causes along with the remedy:

1. Dry eyes

Dry eyes are one of the common reasons for eye spasms and twitching during pregnancy. One of the common reasons behind this is continually staring at a computer screen and other electronic devices for work or entertainment.

Remedy

To ensure that your eyes don’t get dry while working, it is good to take short breaks every 10-15 minutes. It is best to limit your screen time or wear anti-glare glasses. These eyeglasses have a coating that is anti-reflective and blocks blue light. Thus, they reduce the strain on the eyes. Even using artificial tears prescribed by a doctor is a good way to lubricate your eyes. It relieves the dryness and irritation in your eyes.

2. Eye Strains and Irritation

Eye strains generally occur when you stare into screens that do not have anti-glare protection, walking in the sun without sunglasses, or using phones for a long time without having breaks. Irritation caused by foreign bodies in the eye can make your eyes water and trigger eye twitches.

Remedy

Ensure that you get an anti-glare screen and cover your eyes by dipping cotton in rose water and dabbing them. Even cucumber slices can help provide a cooling effect for your eyes. If something gets into your eye, thoroughly wash with plain lukewarm water to flush out the particle and gently pat dry.

3. Stress

One of the most common reasons behind eye twitching is stress. Stress affects the nervous system, which in turn, affects the involuntary muscles around the eyes. This triggers eye twitches. Pregnant women who face a lot of stress can be affected by eye twitches and pain in their eyes.

Remedy

While it isn’t easy to get rid of stress, trying to keep a healthy and happy outlook can work wonders in reducing eye stress. Try listening to a lot of music and getting enough rest to reduce stress levels. Meditation is another way to ensure you stay calm.

4. Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw, especially during deep sleep, can cause a lot of stress on the facial muscles. This may cause the involuntary muscles around the eye region to go into spasms, thus resulting in eye twitches.

Remedy

While it isn’t possible to consciously control your jaw movements while asleep, wearing a mouthguard can help. Also, massaging the inner and outer jaws can also help.

5. Fatigue and Lack of Sleep

Not getting enough rest or sleep during pregnancy is a common occurrence for many pregnant women. Tiredness and sleep deprivation can not only lead to eye pain and twitching, but also other issues like migraines, and lowered concentration levels.

Remedy

To negate this, ensure you get enough rest and sleep by satisfying the minimum 8 hours required a day.

6. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency

Vitamins and minerals are the cornerstones to keeping your body free from disease while also providing your little one with the nutrients they need inside the womb. Imbalances in magnesium, potassium or calcium can cause your eyes to begin twitching.

Remedy

Get your magnesium levels checked regularly and supplement yourself with some dark chocolate from time to time to raise its levels.

7. Allergies

Eye spasms can be triggered when there are excessive pollen levels in the environment. Other allergens like bird feathers and pet dander can also trigger eye twitches. Some pregnant women might begin feeling a sense of twitching in their eyes during this time.

Remedy

Keep getting your eyes hydrated by applying cotton dabbed in rosewater or by placing chilled cucumber slices over your eyes. Also, consult a physician to give you a stronger medicine during this time.

8. Caffeine and Alcohol

There are certain properties in caffeine and alcohol that help the body relax. These relaxants can sometimes cause spasms in the eye when taken in excess amounts. Caffeine can also make your eyes start to feel heavy and trigger eye twitches.

Remedy

Try to cut caffeine or alcohol when you’re pregnant and switch to water-based drinks or just plain water to stay hydrated.

9. Medications

Certain medications taken can have certain effects such as the left eye twitching during early pregnancy. These are generally caused because the medication affects your nerve cells, causing the eye to twitch.

Remedy

To avoid this, it is better that you consult a doctor and get a written send-off that the medicines administered are safe for use.

10. Improper or Wrong Eyeglasses

Spectacles can be another reason for eye twitching issues. Having the wrong power can occur during pregnancy, especially when one has gestational diabetes. Certain objects may not seem clear, and this can strain your eyes, causing twitches.

Remedy

Getting your eyes checked by an optician to help alter your glasses or get them replaced can help in this case.

When to Call the Doctor

Eye twitches generally disappear after a short while, but if it does continue after a certain period of time, it is better to consult a doctor. They can be very annoying when present for a longer time, but the good news is that it isn’t a sign of a serious medical condition. Handy remedies can help negate their effect.

If the eye twitches don’t disappear, here are the signs:

• If it is constantly occurring after a week
• The spasms close your eyelids
• Other facial parts get involved
• Eyelid droops
• Painful twitching that is uncomfortable
• Fever being caused

Thus, eye twitching is a common occurrence when you’re pregnant, so you shouldn’t stress out too much. Just ensure that you keep your eyes hydrated and constantly blink to ensure that the twitching subsides or disappears.

However, if the twitching is extremely painful and is causing side effects like fever and isn’t closing itself properly, then it might be due to other reasons. Consult a doctor in this case, and you’ll be able to get to the root of the problem.

Also Read: Crying during Pregnancy