Damn Left Eye (not the rapper).

I wish there was a word to describe how I'm feeling right now.  I mean, I'm sure there is.  I just maybe don't know the word.  I've never felt like this before, so it's all new and foreign and exciting.  I feel...  At ease.  Content.  Happy.  Joyous.  But those aren't the words to explain how I'm feeling, they re just little parts of how I feel.  It's like...  I don't know how to explain it.

My left eye is twitching.  What does that mean?

Well, I decided to Google it...  And this is what came up, courtesy of www.buzzle.com!

Involuntary twitching of the eyelid(s) is anything but rare in people. Although there is an established explanation and for these constant or intermittent involuntary muscle twitches, including

various medical reasons behind them (discussed later in the article)

, a number of superstitions have also been attached to this phenomenon. In fact, you would come across different versions of myth associated with eye twitching in different cultures around the world. Twitching of the left eye is considered to be either a bad or a good omen, depending upon which culture we are referring to. Also, most cultures interpret the omens pertaining to eye twitching based upon the gender of the person and/or the particular lid (upper or lower) in question. Let us take a look at this superstition as believed in by some very prominent cultures around the world.

The Chinese Version
There is an old Chinese saying that associates impending good fortune with the twitching of the left eye, as opposed to impending approaching misfortune on the twitching of the right eye. 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.

The Indian Version
In India, the 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 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.

Version in Parts of Africa
In certain parts of Africa, twitching of the 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 Indian version of the left eye twitching superstition and consider it to be a sign of bad luck.

The Hawaiian Version
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 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 Eye Twitching

Although these superstitions might make for a good read, there is a scientific reason behind eye spasms. While the fluttering sensation, sometimes felt in and around the eyelids, can certainly be irritating, it may not be a serious health issue. However, those who suffer from frequently recurring episodes of contraction of the eyelid muscles must seek medical attention in order to rule out the possibility of an underlying condition involving the optical nerves or the optical muscles. 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.

Hmm.....  Yeah.  Guess I'm just shit outta luck!