Man Loses Vision After Slapping Eye to Stop Twitching

Beijing. A man has lost vision in his eye after repeatedly slapping it to stop it from twitching, a phenomenon believed to be an ominous sign in China. While twitching of the left eye is considered auspicious, the right eye is associated with bad luck.

According to a report in the South China Morning Post, the man, fearing misfortune from his twitching right eye, repeatedly slapped it in an attempt to stop the movement. The problem did not subside even with rest and warm compresses.

A superstition prevalent in China states that 'twitching of the left eye brings financial gain, while the right eye signifies an inauspicious event.' Driven by this belief, he sought remedies online instead of consulting a doctor. After finding claims on the internet that slapping the eye could ward off bad luck, he repeatedly slapped the area around his right eye for three consecutive days. While the twitching stopped, his vision deteriorated significantly. His peripheral vision gradually disappeared, leaving him with only the ability to see straight ahead. He then sought medical attention.

Medical examinations confirmed that his retina had detached. Following immediate surgery, doctors were able to restore his vision. According to medical experts, the average thickness of the human retina is less than 0.3 millimeters. Repeated or forceful impacts to the eye can affect the inner parts of the eye, increasing the risk of retinal tearing or detachment.

This incident has become a widely discussed topic on social media. One user sarcastically commented, 'He himself proved the saying that the right eye twitching brings bad luck to be true.' Another user commented, 'Eye twitching is a bodily signal, not a prophecy. We should believe in science, not superstition.' Doctors state that in most cases, eye twitching is caused by eye strain, lack of sleep, or mental stress and usually resolves with rest. However, they advise seeking immediate medical consultation if the problem persists for more than a week, spreads to other parts of the face, or affects the corners of the mouth.

We have previously read about several cases in China where treatment was delayed due to similar superstitions. A woman from Hunan province, who did not seek treatment for three years believing her left eye twitching was a good omen, later developed severe facial spasms.