When you experience unexpected eye twitches, your mind may not immediately leap to jaw issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The body, however, is an interconnected system. Problems in one area can sometimes cause unexpected symptoms in another.
Although TMJ disorder affects the jaw and surrounding muscles, it also causes various seemingly unrelated symptoms, including eye twitching.
A routine eye exam lets us evaluate broader aspects of your eye health to rule out potential causes of eye twitching, so we can get to the root of the issue.
Understanding TMJ Disorder
We use our temporomandibular joint every day to chew our food, chat with our friends, and yawn. This joint is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, making it possible for us to do these otherwise simple tasks. TMJ disorder occurs when the joint or surrounding muscles become inflamed or dysfunctional.
The hallmark signs of this condition include:
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty chewing
- Headaches
- Clicking or popping sounds when the jaw moves
Surprisingly, the effects of TMJ disorder aren’t don’t always stay in the jaw. They can spread to other parts of the face and head. If you experience TMJ symptoms, this could be why you notice your eye twitching every once in a while.
TMJ disorder can result from various factors, including:
- Teeth grinding or clenching: Also known as bruxism, this is a major contributor to jaw joint and muscle strain.
- Jaw injury: Trauma to the joint can result in long-term issues.
- Arthritis: Both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis can contribute to TMJ dysfunction.
- Stress: Increased stress can lead to clenching, which exacerbates TMJ symptoms.
Can TMJ Really Cause Eye Twitching?
Yes, TMJ has the potential to contribute to eye twitching.
Although it’s not the most frequently discussed symptom, the connection lies in the shared network of nerves and muscles in your face.
Here’s a closer look at how TMJ disorder can lead to eye twitching:
Facial Nerve Irritation
The temporomandibular joint is near the trigeminal nerve, one of the largest nerves that transmit sensations to the face.
When TMJ disorder causes inflammation or pressure in the area, it can irritate branches of the trigeminal nerve, potentially leading to muscle spasms in the surrounding areas, including the eyes.
Muscle Tension
The muscles around the TMJ, such as the masseter and temporalis muscles, often experience tension when the joint is dysfunctional. This tightness can radiate through connected facial muscles and result in subtle spasms, like eye twitching.
Stress as a Culprit
Many people with TMJ disorder also experience high levels of stress (chronic or acute), which can contribute to teeth-grinding while you sleep and involuntary muscle movements, such as eye twitching.
Stress might aggravate the problem, making the connection between TMJ and eye twitching even more likely.
Exploring Other Causes of Eye Twitching
Myokymia, or eye twitching, doesn’t always stem from TMJ. Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to consider other potential causes:
- Fatigue and lack of sleep are leading contributors.
- Caffeine or excessive use of stimulants can excite nerve activity.
- Dry eyes from extensive screen time or environmental factors like dry or windy climates can often lead to spasms.
- If you have nutritional deficiencies, particularly magnesium or potassium, this can also affect muscle function.
- Allergies may cause irritation (and dry eyes) and trigger twitching around the eyes.
If your eye twitching is more frequent, severe, or accompanied by additional symptoms such as vision changes, a trip to your eye doctor is essential.
When to Seek Professional Help
Even with a world of information at your fingertips, there is no effective alternative to the care your eye doctor or dentist can provide. That’s why determining whether TMJ disorder is the root cause of your eye twitching requires consultation with the right people.
Since the body is an interconnected system, approaching your health through a holistic lens offers extensive benefits. Consider working with your optometrist and dentist (if you can) to manage TMJ-related symptoms.
Together, your healthcare team can create a comprehensive treatment plan that aligns with your visual and oral health needs.
When to Visit an Eye Doctor
Eye twitching from underlying eye health issues needs focused treatment. Visit an eye doctor if you notice:
- Your twitching persists for more than a few weeks.
- There are noticeable changes in vision.
- Twitching is accompanied by eye pain, redness, or swelling.
- You experience persistent dry eyes, sensitivity to light, or watery eyes.
A routine eye exam offers insights into your eye and overall health, not just changes to your vision. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
- History and screening: Your eye doctor will ask about lifestyle habits, recent stressors, and other symptoms.
- Refraction testing: We evaluate your vision to see whether eye strain could be causing twitching.
- Assessment of eye muscles: These tests help rule out involuntary movements or neurological concerns.
- Dry eye testing: Persistent twitching can result from chronic dryness.
When to Consult a Dentist
Just as your optometrist is your first line of defense in preserving your visual health, your dentist is the one to turn to when you notice concerns with your oral health.
If you notice your eye twitching alongside symptoms, like jaw discomfort, or suspect teeth clenching during sleep, a visit to your dentist is worthwhile.
During this visit, they can assess your temporomandibular joint’s health, check for signs of bruxism, and recommend suitable treatment options.
Tips to Relieve TMJ & Eye Twitching
In the meantime, whether TMJ is the culprit or a contributing factor, here are some simple and effective ways to help minimize symptoms:
- Take breaks from screens and limit your time to prevent eye strain and dry eyes. Use artificial tears to hydrate your eyes and relieve dryness.
- Find an outlet you enjoy to manage stress, like meditation or yoga, to prevent your jaw from clenching.
- Invest in an over-the-counter night guard to prevent teeth grinding. However, a custom one from your dentist might be more effective.
- Keep track of your triggers with a logbook to identify if certain foods, stressors, or habits may worsen your TMJ or eye twitching.
Stay Proactive About Your Health
TMJ and eye twitching can be frustrating, but with the right approach, relief is possible.
Seeking care from your optometrist and dentist for a thorough evaluation, alongside holistic management techniques, like relaxation and mindfulness, can further support your journey to relief.
Above all, if your eye twitching persists or you experience other eye-related symptoms, like changes in your vision, it’s time to visit Coast Optometry. Connect with us today to book your appointment.
