Right or Left Eye Twitching: Meanings and Superstitions

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Is Your Left or Right Eye Twitching?

Who among us has not experienced an eye twitch at some point in our lives? It happens out of the blue, and in most instances it stops just as randomly.

For those of us who are superstitious, an eye twitch can have significant meaning. Depending on which eye, time of day, where you are from, and various other factors, it may portend something good . . . or bad.

In this article, we'll delve into some of these superstitions. We'll also discuss medical or physical reasons your eye might be twitching. Let's get started.

Superstitions for Females

Superstitions for Males

Superstitions Based on Which Eye

Chinese Superstitions About Eye Twitching

Chinese superstitions about eye twitching are based on the Tong Shu, an ancient Chinese almanac. According to this divination system, the time of day can indicate the specific meaning of a twitch.

Left Eye

• 11:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m.: A nobleman may be on his way to see you.
• 1:00–3:00 a.m.: Be aware that a worrying event may be about to occur.
• 3:00–5:00 a.m.: Expect a possible visit from a friend from afar.
• 5:00–7:00 a.m.: A special guest is on his or her way.
• 7:00–9:00 a.m.: You may expect a visit from a close friend.
• 9:00–11:00 a.m.: Get ready to party!
• 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.: Lots of eating and drinking lies ahead.
• 1:00–3:00 p.m.: You'll be safe and sound for whatever plans lie ahead of you.
• 3:00–5:00 p.m.: Be careful. You may lose money.
• 5:00–7:00 p.m.: Guests are on their way.
• 7:00–9:00 p.m.: More guests are on their way.
• 9:00–11:00 p.m.: Another guest is on his or her way.

That doesn't sound all that bad, right? There seems to be a lot of partying, eating, visitors, and friends. Just avoid a twitch between 1:00-3:00 a.m. or 3:00-5:00 p.m.; otherwise, twitches in the left eye sound all right.

Now, how about the right eye?

Right Eye

• 11:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m.: An invitation is on its way for a party.
• 1:00–3:00 a.m.: Someone is thinking about you. (Is this the same phenomenon as when your ears are burning? Another topic altogether.)
• 3:00–5:00 a.m.: Good news, a happy event awaits you.
• 5:00–7:00 a.m.: Everything is going well.
• 7:00–9:00 a.m.: Watch out! There could be a slight injury.
• 9:00–11:00 a.m.: Watch out! There may be an argument ahead.
• 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.: Beware of a disaster.
• 1:00–3:00 p.m.: A minor happy event is occurring or will occur soon.
• 3:00–5:00 p.m.: Are you thinking of someone you love?
• 5:00–7:00 p.m: Guests are on their way. (Just like with the left eye!)
• 7:00–9:00 p.m.: You are on your way to a big gathering.
• 9:00–11 p.m.: Beware of trouble in court.

That started off nicely, with lots of partying and good news. However, by mid-morning, any twitch seems to spell disaster. Luckily, all bad things come to an end at some point.

Medical or Physical Causes of Eye Twitching

If you're curious about what eye twitching may mean scientifically or medically, some of the causes may include:

• Fatigue
• Stress
• Excess caffeine
• Dry eyes
• Eye strain
• Bright light exposure
• Alcohol intake
• Irritation of the eye
• Smoking
• Wind or air pollution
• Allergies

Remedies

Some remedies for eye twitching may include:

• Getting a good night's rest.
• Avoiding stressful situations and/or introducing stress management practices into your life, such as yoga or taking a relaxing walk.
• Reducing consumption of caffeine; e.g., tea or coffee.
• Using eye drops (after consulting a medical professional) to keep your eyes moist and lubricated.
• Taking a break from repetitive computer work or concentrated reading to give your eyes a chance to relax.
• Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light exposure.
• Avoiding cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and secondhand smoke.

What Do You Think?

No matter what's going on when your sudden twitch occurs, it can feel disturbing and conspicuous. Can everyone see it? Does it indicate something terrible?

Usually, this phenomenon will resolve itself without any medical intervention. The question of whether the superstitions outlined here are borne out is another issue. Next time your eye twitches, keep your fingers and toes crossed because something good (or bad) just might be on its way. Be optimistic . . . or just take a nap.

Have you heard other superstitions or theories about eye twitching? Please feel free to share them below!

Sources and Further Reading

• Eye Twitching Causes - Mayo Clinic
  Most people experience eye twitching now and then, but it's not always harmless. Find out when these spasms might mean something more serious.
• How to Stop Eye Twitching - American Academy of Ophthalmology
  An eyelid twitch (or tic) is when you have a spasm or slight movement of your upper or lower eyelid. It comes on suddenly, and can last for a minute, hours, day
• Anatomy of a Superstition: When Your Eye "Jumps" - Scientific American Blog Network
  Our foray into the spooky and superstitious continues with this look at a popular West Indian belief.
• Old Wives' Tales and Superstitions About Body Parts - Exemplore
  If you want to learn more about some superstitions associated with body parts, read on.

© 2012 WorkAtHomeMums

Comments

Charita on March 04, 2019:

I was always told the left eye twitches meant something bad of anything necessary and right eye meant good things but now that I’m older I’m starting to feel other wise. Such as it could be stress or a medical problem

Mami on June 17, 2018:

This information really help me a lot lol

Bube on March 08, 2017:

I had my birthday yesterday and my eye left eye was twitching seriously.

My sister and her husband both gave me an unexpected large amount of money.

....am a Nigerian by the way

person on September 15, 2016:

OK??

-pie

Haley on May 20, 2016:

thanks

nillam on April 09, 2016:

hmm my left eye is twitching

Neeraj Rajput on April 07, 2016:

Left eye flap

vimal singh on October 29, 2015:

Left twiching is good for females.

And right for males.

As i got it from my society

mckeown on July 06, 2015:

It seems the right eye twitching btn 3 & 5 pm is right...

Monet on February 14, 2015:

Every single time after my eye twitched, something bad to me usually followed like speeding ticket, an argument with others, etc.

tamron on June 17, 2012:

Great hub!

When my eye twitched I felt retarded. I would hate for my eye to twitch on a job interview.

Thanks for Sharing

Tricia Mason from The English Midlands on June 15, 2012:

My optician said that it was caused by being extremely tired.

Michelle Liew from Singapore on June 15, 2012:

Interesting!

Joshua Zerbini from Pennsylvania on June 14, 2012:

Great hub. very interesting! Voted up, interesting and shared!

lovedoctor926 on June 14, 2012:

I'm not superstitious. My eye twitches once in a while especially when I'm at the computer for too many hours. voted up! Thanks for this information

WorkAtHomeMums (author) from Australia on June 14, 2012:

Personally it just annoys me when it happens to me. I'm now hoping for a good outcome :)

Thank you.

hisandhers from Toronto, Ontario, Canada on June 14, 2012:

Wow! How can anyone memorize all those different meanings for eye twitches! Whenever my eye twitches I barely think about it, but now that I've read this Hub I'm inclined to become superstitious about it as well too.

Really interesting! Voted up!

Georgie Lowery from North Florida on June 14, 2012:

Great. Now I'm all twitchy!

Seriously, very interesting Hub. Thank you for sharing!