Left Eye Twitching

Left Eye Twitching Superstition - China


There is an old Chinese saying about twitching eyelids that says that "the twitching of the left eyelid indicates the coming of good fortune; while the right one is a warning about the coming bad luck." So while a twitch in the left eye indicates good luck or even a major gold rush, a twitching right eye is considered a bad omen which foretells of bad luck headed your way! In case of women the tables are turned, as a twitching right eye signifies good luck while a twitching left one is considered a bad omen. People also believe in other eyelid twitching superstitions where a twitch in the lower left eyelid means you can expect to cry soon or someone is gossiping about you.






Left Eye Twitching Superstition - India


In India, the left eye twitching superstition is the reverse of the Chinese version. It is again an old belief that if your right eye twitches, you are likely to hear good news. On the other hand, left eye jumping or twitching is considered inauspicious. At times, eyelid twitching can also be based on the gender as well. While left eye twitching is considered good for women, it might be a bad sign for men.






Left Eye Twitching Superstition - Parts of Africa


In certain parts of Africa, twitching in your lower eyelid signals that you will soon be shedding tears. When the upper eyelid twitches, it's a sign that you will meet someone unexpectedly. The Nigerians also follow the Chinese version of the left eye twitching and consider it to be a sign of bad luck.






Left Eye Twitching Superstition - Hawaii


In Hawaii, twitching in the left eye can signal the arrival of a stranger. In addition to these beliefs, there are some other versions of the left eye twitching superstition where a constant twitching of your left eye might signal a demise in the family and the twitching of the right may signal an impending birth.

Medical Causes of Left Eye Twitching



Although the left eye twitching superstitions might make for a good reading, there is a scientific reason behind left eye twitching. While the fluttering sensation that may sometimes be felt in and around the eyelids can certainly be irritating, it may not be a cause of serious concern. However, those who suffer from recurring episodes of constant repetitive contraction of the eyelid muscles must seek medical help in order to rule out the possibility of an underlying medical condition. Involuntary eye twitching, which is also referred to as eye muscle spasm, can be attributed to an eye problem known as benign essential blepharospasm. The condition is actually caused by uncontrollable contractions of the muscles around the eyelids. This chronic, uncontrollable blinking of the eyes could be the result of dry eyes, conjunctivitis or light sensitivity.

In addition to the aforementioned causes, eyelid twitching could also be attributed to neurological disorders like epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Tourette syndrome or certain eye allergies and injuries. If it is an extreme condition you need to consult a doctor who might prescribe oral medications or certain eye drops. In an extreme case, myectomy or surgery for treating blinking eyes may have to be performed to cure the excessive twitching of the eyes. Eye twitches can also be triggered by eye strain. Watching television or working on a computer for long stretches of time can cause eye strain. Lack of sleep can also be a contributory factor. If excessive strain is causing twitching in the eyes, it can be cured by taking rest and cutting down on one's intake of caffeine or alcohol.



This was some information on superstitions associated with eye twitching. So the next time your left eye twitches, don't you worry about a catastrophe befalling you. Don't let such beliefs take away your peace of mind. Just stay calm and hope for the best.