NHS explained why you can sometimes get a 'twitch' in your eye and how you can stop it happening

There's nothing worse than when a twitch decides to come along and wreak havoc on your eye when you were just going about your day.

The dreaded spasm, which seems to religiously reappear every few months, can really be quite an inconvenience to deal with as well as simply just being downright annoying.

Having to explain to the old bloke at the bus stop that you weren't winking at him but were actually fighting the unavoidable flutter of your eye lashes, isn't the way which anyone wants to start their day.

A twitching eye is pretty annoying, right? (Getty Stock Photo)

But the good news is, a twitch in your eye is no cause for serious concern most of the time - and the NHS have some advice to share about how you could stop it happening.

What causes eye twitches?

According to the NHS, twitches - which can affect any part of the body - are often linked to people who suffer from stress or anxiety.

Those who are tired, exhausted or have been consuming too much caffeine or alcohol are also more likely to experience these strange spasms in their eyes or their legs.

But why do our eyeballs suddenly decide to start shaking the house down?

Even though it feels like it at the time, a twitching eye won't last forever (Getty Stock Photo)

Well, Dr Cornelius Rene, a consultant oculoplastic surgeon at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, has the answer.

She previously told The Guardian: "There are several reasons why a twitch in the eyelid can happen.

"But the commonest cause is something called benign essential blepharospasm, or BEB, which is an uncontrollable spasm of the eyelid, for which there is often no underlying cause.

"If it’s just one eyelid twitching, then that is usually what we call myokymia, which is a pretty benign condition that is usually transient and typically gets better on its own."

How do you stop eye twitching?

Now, on to the part you really care about - how on earth can you stop your eye from twitching?

Thankfully, this sensation shouldn't last for a very long time and they normally go away after a couple of hours, days or weeks by themselves.

But if you're just completely over having a twitching eyeball and never want to experience it again, there are a few things you can do to avoid it reoccurring.

According to the NHS, you should get plenty of rest, try to find ways to relax, stretch and massage muscles affected by cramps and most importantly, try not to worry about it - because it only makes it worse.

Those who are tired, stressed or anxious are more likely to experience twitches (Getty Stock Photo)

Dr Rene added: "Myokymia will usually resolve itself over a short space of time.

"If you’d like to minimise your chances of suffering in the first place, you can cut down on the amount of coffee you’re drinking or try to reduce your stress, but it will typically go away in minutes, hours or days anyway."

When should you see a doctor about your eye twitches?

If you have a twitch for more than two weeks, the NHS advises that you go and see your GP.

They might take a look at what medicines you're having or even refer you to a specialist.

They also note to lay off the caffeine and booze for a bit.

Dr Luke Powles, associate clinical director at Bupa Health Clinics, also told The Guardian: "If you experience a persistent twitch that lingers for more than two weeks and notice any unusual changes in your eye’s appearance or sensation, it may be indicative of an underlying issue.

"These might be early indicators of multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, a progressive brain disorder that can lead to muscle stiffness and tension, making movements and facial expressions more challenging."