Eye twitching is also called myokymia and it happens involuntary and the individual just finds himself twitching his eyes. A number of superstitions are associated with myokymia and these superstitions are different for various cultures. Lifestyle, such as foods consumed, is a great cause of the eye twitching condition. There are also funny superstitions about left eye twitching and right eye twitching in different cultures. 

Superstitions of Eye Twitching from Different Cultures

1. Eye Twitching Superstition from China

2. Eye Twitching Superstition from Indians

In India, the superstition of eye twitching is reverse to the Chinese and is based on the eye that twitches, gender and the part of the eye that twitches.

In terms of the eye twitching, a twitch of the right eye is usually a good sign. It could mean that you will receive positive news, make money or be successful in some way. Unfortunately, twitching of the left eye is a bad omen.

Gender also dictates the meaning of twitching. Twitching on a woman's left eye is a good sign whereas it is a bad one for a man.

There are about five superstitions in India that are related to the part of the eye that twitches. Left eye pupil twitching is a sign of good luck, middle eye twitching signals money related gains, left eyelid shows that someone is about to undergo some worrying moments, if the lower part of the left eye twitches then you will be spending some money soon, and if the left eyebrow twitches then a child is about to be born and you will receive some positive news as well.

3. Eye Twitching Superstition from Africans

Among the Africans who have some superstitions of eye twitching are Cameroonians and Nigerians. In Cameroon, twitching the eyelid of the left eye indicates something that will lead to crying. However, twitching of the upper eyelid means that someone out of your expectation will visit you. On the other hand, Nigerians' superstitions resemble those of the Indians, and they think left eye twitching can indicate bad luck.

4. Eye Twitching Superstition from Hawaii

The Hawaiian people have three superstitions on the involuntary behavior of eye twitching. The first superstition is that twitching in left eye is an indication that some stranger will arrive at your home. Another superstition in Hawaii is that if someone twitches the left eye constantly then it is just a bad sign of looming death in the family. However, when someone twitches the right eye then a child is about to be born.

Possible Causes of Eye Twitching

For a body part to move, muscles around that part have to contract and relax. It is not any different for twitching. However, muscles around the eye in this case usually contract without any input from the twitching individual. This condition has three main causes: eyes being dry, conjuvitis and being sensitive to light. In addition to these three causes, a few other causes are as listed below.

• Insufficient sleep
• Being highly stressed or fatigued
• Poor vision
• A polluted environment
• The cornea or eyelids suffering from inflammation
• Consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated drinks in large quantities
• Insufficient presence of magnesium or vitamins within the body
• Suffering from an eye related allergy
• Suffering from a neurological disorder such as basal ganglia

When to Seek Medical Help

Even though left eye twitching superstitions have no scientific backup and the twitching fades within a short duration, in some cases it is necessary to see a doctor for the condition. This twitching could be a sign of a neurological disease like the Parkinson's disease. However, if you twitch once and have read this content, don't panic. The twitching has to persist and be extreme within your right eye to be considered a symptom for such a disease. Other indicators that should prompt you to see a doctor are:

• Twitching on the right eye for more than three consecutive days
• Twitching on the right eye and your face as well
• If you discharge some fluids, some part is swollen or turns red during the time that you experience swelling
• If youtwitch so much that that your eyelids end up closing

How to Relieve Eye Twitching

1. Get Enough Time to Sleep

The recommended time to sleep each day is between seven and eight hours. Any less than this negatively affects your body. One part of the body that suffers from limited sleep hours is the eyes, especially the right eye which can keep twitching as a result.

2. Keep Your Eyes Well-Lubricated

Dry eyes contribute to twitching of the eyes. Luckily, the problem of having dry eyes can be solved by getting prescribed antihistamine drugs and eye drops from your doctor. In addition to relieving eye twitching, it will also eliminate any eye irritation.

3. Soothe Your Eyes

When muscles of your eyes, especially the right eye, get stressed by actions such as being in front of a computer for long, the eyes may experience a spasm, which leads to twitching. Relaxing of the eyes' muscles can be done by cold compression or placing cucumber pieces over the eyelids.

4. Get Your Eyes Appropriate Nutrients

If your body does not have sufficient vitamins D, B12 and magnesium minerals, then you could suffer from twitching. Therefore, consuming foods rich in these minerals will relieve the eye twitching. You should eat green vegetables for magnesium, supplements for vitamin B12 and bask in the morning sun to replenish vitamin D.

5. Don't Strain Your Eyes

In order to reduce the chances of suffering from eye twitching, keep your eyes relaxed without straining it a lot. In order to achieve this relaxation, avoid unfriendly lighting, being in front of a computer screen for long hours, or watching the TV all day.