Surely, at some point in your life, you have felt that involuntary tremor in your eyelids, completely impossible to control and a little irritating.

This tremor is one of the first signs that something isn't right! It's caused when our body releases stress-related hormones, which reach the autonomic nervous system. Tremors indicate the need to relax a bit.

These tremors can last for a few days, sometimes occurring spasmodically from time to time, but they come and go. Ophthalmologist Andrea Lima Barbosa explains why these tremors are so difficult to control and offers important guidance.

"It's always worrying for the person, and the right thing to do is seek a specialist. This eyelid twitching is a warning sign that something isn't right, not only with your body, but also with your life," says the doctor, who warns that this symptom may indicate that a person is at the height of stress, at the limit of their body's endurance, crying out for help. "It could be fatigue, anxiety, the result of sleepless nights, or personal problems, for example."

Main causes and how to try to avoid them:

Several factors can trigger these eyelid twitching, but some of these factors can be easily identified, allowing you to take appropriate action.

1. Fatigue

This is a symptom that can be caused by continuous use of computers or monitors, known as computer vision syndrome. It's recommended to take breaks during work to allow your eyes to rest. A 15-minute change of focus would be ideal before continuing to look at the screen.

2. Stress

Problems involving work and family should be avoided or resolved as quickly as possible, as they can trigger anxiety and increase stress levels. Extreme cases may require medication such as muscle relaxants; however, medical evaluation is always necessary.

3. Dry eyes

This symptom can also be linked to excessive computer use. As a preventative measure, lubricating eye drops may be necessary, and increased humidity in your work environment is also recommended.

4. Caffeine

Excessive consumption of caffeine-based foods, energy drinks, and cigarettes can be the cause of these tremors. If you identify these as possible causes, stop or reduce consumption.

5. Unidentified causes

If tremors occur without any of the above apparent causes, consult an ophthalmologist to evaluate the muscle function of the eyelids, the ocular surface, refractive errors or fundus.

Stress

Ophthalmologist Andrea Barbosa explains that these tremors, which are almost always unilateral, arise after the release of stress-related hormones, which affect the autonomic nervous system. They stimulate the eyelids, which undergo involuntary contractions, making them impossible to control.

Excessive caffeine, vitamin deficiency, advanced age, and long hours in front of computer screens can trigger these tremors. It's recommended that if these tremors occur, seek professional help. In most cases, they're caused by stress. However, if there's another cause, an ophthalmologist, as well as a neurologist, will refer you to another professional.

The advice is to seek medical help and avoid situations that will put you under pressure. "Some people get heartburn when they get stressed. Others have back pain, and some have this tremor. It's difficult, but you have to find a way to avoid all of this. You have to ask yourself: what are you going to do with your life? How are your work and relationships going? I recommend relaxation, yoga, meditation, something to really calm down. And, as much as possible, avoid stress." highlights Andrea, who warns that not taking care of these symptoms can worsen your health, leading to the development of heart disease, depression, anxiety and hypertension.

One tip the ophthalmologist gave to ease the tremor is to put ice on the area, as it numbs the muscles.