A man in Wuhan, Hubei province, sustained a retinal detachment after repeatedly slapping his twitching right eyelid, following a superstition that associates twitching in that area with impending misfortune. Identified only as Le, the individual experienced persistent twitching in his right eyelid over several days. Despite attempts to alleviate the condition with rest and warm compresses, the spasms continued, prompting him to seek advice online rather than consult a medical professional.

Le came across claims suggesting that slapping the eyelid could dispel bad luck. Acting on this, he reportedly slapped the area around his right eye for three consecutive days. While the twitching ceased, Le’s vision deteriorated sharply, with his peripheral sight disappearing and leaving him able to see only straight ahead. Medical evaluation confirmed that he had suffered a retinal detachment, a serious eye injury requiring surgery. Following the procedure, doctors were able to restore his vision.

Medical experts emphasized that the retina—a delicate tissue less than 0.3 millimeters thick—is susceptible to damage from blunt trauma, such as repeated slapping. Such impacts can cause retinal tears or detachment, which pose significant risks to vision. Physicians also noted that while eyelid twitching is commonly linked to eye strain, fatigue, or stress and typically resolves with rest, persistent or spreading twitching warrants professional medical assessment.

The incident sparked widespread discussion on mainland social media, where some commenters observed the irony in the superstition coming true as a “disaster.” Others advocated for a science-based approach, warning that eyelid twitching is a physiological symptom rather than an omen.

This case is not isolated in highlighting the influence of superstition on health behavior in China. In Hunan province, a woman reportedly delayed medical treatment for three years due to a belief that her twitching left eyelid signified good fortune; her condition eventually progressed to facial spasms. Similarly, in Taiwan, a woman interpreted twitching in her left eyelid as a lucky sign and subsequently purchased a scratch card, winning nearly NT$1 million.

Doctors continue to urge people experiencing prolonged or severe eyelid twitching or related symptoms to seek timely medical advice rather than relying on folk beliefs.