The advent of technology has brought about much change in our everyday lives. However, some things still stay the same. Superstitions are one of them. Of all the numerous superstitions, the twitching of the right eye remains quite popular.

Right Eye Twitching Superstition

Culture has a significant role to play in superstitions. The belief system of your culture decides whether the twitching of the right eye is a positive or a negative sign. Certain cultures believe that this is a sign of Lady Luck paying you a visit, and will expect a favourable turn of events. On the other hand, other cultures shudder at the thought of the right eye twitching and anticipate negative events.

Chinese

The Chinese apply the concept of Yin and Yang to the superstition of right eye twitching. According to ancient Chinese sayings, it indicates bad luck for a man and good fortune for a woman. It doesn’t stop here. The superstitions vary based on which part of the eye is twitching. Twitching of the lower eyelid might bring positivity, while a twitching eyelid is a sign that you are the subject of gossip. Another interesting and unique concept drawn from the Chinese Almanac is that twitching of the eyes can mean different things in different time of the day:

Indian

Their superstitious interpretation of the right eye twitching is similar to that of the Chinese. The Indian belief also differentiates between men and women. However, unlike the Chinese system, it is believed that twitching of the right eye will bring benefits for a man and twitching of the left eye for a woman won’t leave her without added benefits.

African

The African interpretation of the right eye twitching superstition is much more deeply rooted in science as compared to the Chinese and Indian beliefs. They believe that twitching of the lower eyelid is indicative of the person shedding tears and that the twitching of the upper eyelid is indicative of meeting an unexpected person. Can it be a mere coincidence that the tear glands are located in the region of the lower eyelid and that a person’s instinctive response for surprise is to open his/her eyes wide?

Hawaiian

According to the culture of the Hawaiians, right eye twitching indicates either welcoming of a stranger or mourning of someone.

Other Cultures

Here are also a few other cultures who believe in right eye twitching superstition:

• The Chinese have a fan, and that is Nigeria. The Nigerians believe in the same thing as the Chinese do.
• An old wives tale originating in the West associates the left eye twitching to a birth in the family soon and that of the right eye to a death in the family.
• Trinidadians also associate the right eye twitching with good news and its counterpart with bad happenings. They believe the twitching of the right eye is an indication that someone is speaking well of you or that you are going to hear good news.They also take it to be a sign of an upcoming meeting with someone you haven’t seen in a long time.

What Causes Right Eye Twitching?

When seen through a scientific perspective, one would realise that there is always a scientific explanation for the twitching of the right eye. It is mainly caused by the spasms of the muscles in theeye. The continuous twitching can be resolved with proper treatment as well.

Modern scientific studiesand ancient medicinal systems such as Ayurvedasay that it is a neurological disorder like epilepsy or Parkinson's disease. Blepharospasm is the modern medical term given to the condition. Lack of sleep and eye strain caused by long hours of television or working on a computercan also trigger the eye twitches. Note that it may also occur due to some allergy or injury. Smoking, excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol, or even exposure to bright lights could also trigger the condition.

How to Stop Right Eye Twitching

After explaining the right eye twitching superstition in different ways, let’s look at ways to stop the annoyance:

• Relax your eyes: The easiest remedy is to relax the eyes by using a cold compress or by simply covering the eyes with pieces of cucumber.
• Provide proper nutrients to your eyes: A deficiency of vitamin D, B12 or magnesium could also trigger the twitching, as the muscles in the eyes need these substances in order to relax. Sufficient exposure to the sunlight ensures ample amounts of vitamin D, and a generous serving of green vegetables ensures enough magnesium in your system. There are also many vitamin B12 supplements available in the market.
• Ensure sufficient sleep: Being sleep-deprived can exhaust the muscles in the eyes and cause the twitching. The ideal amount of sleep per day is 8 hours. If you work on the computer all day, it is advisable to take a short nap in-between.
• Keep hydrated: Drinking enough water ensures optimal temperature in the eyes and also keeps the eye muscles hydrated, hence limiting the twitching. Drinking at least 10 glasses of water makes sure the body is hydrated. The quantity of water consumed can be increased if more physical activity is involved.