A well-known NHS GP who appears regularly on the BBC has guidance for anyone concerned about their eyelid twitching. Dr Punam Krishan appeared on BBC Morning Live to offering advice on eye health matters.

She discussed various subjects with presenters Gethin Jones and Sara Cox, ranging from conjunctivitis to dietary choices that benefit your vision. However, it was Sara's query about her own symptoms that particularly caught attention.

She asked: "So what about when you've been sitting there, you've had a long day and your eyes are twitching?" She then joked: "Husband thinks I'm winking at him - he's like, aye-aye!

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"But actually it's just twitchy eyes sadly. Why do they twitch? It's weird, isnt it?"

The GP frequently features on the programme and also competed in Strictly Come Dancing in 2024 alongside Gorka Márquez. She responded in her appearance about the issue last year whose advice is still relevant today to say: "Yeah, it is and yeah, lots of people can go: what's going on?

"Now it's an involuntary spasm of the muscles of your eyes. It's nothing to panic about. It usually tends to go away."

However, she then explained the important thing was identifying potential triggers - and went through five Sara should consider. This, she suggested, could be the most effective way to tackle the issue, reports Surrey Live.

She continued: "Lifestyle factors are the first thing that I would normally question you about. Are you getting enough rest, Sara?"

"Have you been drinking alcohol?" At this point, Sara pulled a playful face and shook her head in denial.

"Have you had too much coffee today?" the doctor pressed on. "This kind of thing.

"That can actually really affect the twitching. Are you stressed, are you worried about something?"

"Are you spending too much time on your devices? This a very common cause.

"The eyes strain. So with that in mind, the treatment is to address these factors, you know, try to make sure that you are resting enough, that you are hydrated, that you are cutting down caffeine intake - you're mindfully watching your stress levels.

"Just regular screen breaks. All these things can make a difference.

"However, on occasion, nutritional imbalances can also cause muscle twitches, with magnesium being a culprit. So if you are finding that you have tried all of this, you've addressed everything that I have talked about and it's still twitching away, then speak to your GP.

"We would usually do blood tests and ascertain whether there's another problem going on that we can solve."

Fellow host Gethin Jones then asked about what else we might do to care for our vision.

Dr Punam advised: "Regularly visit your opticians. The number of times I've asked my patients, when was the last time you visited your opticians?".

"The thing is we take our eyes for granted until there's a problem with them. And that's when we go, let me reverse or let me see what's wrong."

According to the NHS website: "Twitches are common and very rarely a sign of anything serious. They often go away on their own, but see a GP if a twitch lasts more than 2 weeks."

The NHS states that most people experience twitches from time to time. They suggest these are frequently associated with:

• some medicines – check the side effects on the packet or leaflet


• drinking caffeine or alcohol


• stress and anxiety


• tiredness and exhaustion

The NHS further notes: "Twitches can affect any part of the body. Twitches in the eyes or legs are particularly common. You may also have tingling or cramps (spasms) in the same area."

You should consult a GP if you've had a twitch for more than a fortnight, or one in multiple locations - or if the affected area feels weak or rigid. Lastly, seek medical advice if you suspect a prescribed medication might be triggering your twitch.