Why Does My Child Blink Excessively?

Blinking is a natural reflex that helps to protect the eyes from bright lights, dryness, and oncoming debris or objects. The action also allows the tear film to cover the eye, cleansing and nourishing the surface.
 

Newborns typically blink about two times a minute, which increases to 14 to 17 times a minute as the child grows. Increased blinking can be a response to changes in temperature, pain, tear quality, and bright lights. Here’s why your child blinks excessively.
 

About Excessive Blinking
 

When blinking is more frequent than usual, it is considered excessive. Excessive blinking can affect one or both eyes and can be more forceful than normal. It can also occur alongside facial, head, or neck movements or tics.
 

While it is not always cause for concern, you should visit an eye doctor if your little one has other worrying symptoms. In some cases, blinking excessively can imply the presence of a neurological disorder.
 

What Causes Excessive Blinking
 

Excessive blinking can be due to various factors, including:
 

·       Cornea problems, such as dry eye, corneal abrasion, ingrown eyelashes, or a foreign object under the eyelid.

·       Eye allergies or pink eye (conjunctivitis).

·       Uncorrected refractive errors. Uncorrected myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism can cause excessive blinking.

·       Habitual tics are usually due to fatigue, anxiety, or boredom. Children usually outgrow these involuntary repetitive movements.

·       Crossed or misaligned eyes. Strabismus or crossed eyes occurs when the eyes point in different directions. The strain can cause excessive blinking.
 

In some cases, there is no obvious cause of excessive blinking.
 

Diagnosing Excessive Blinking

If you are worried about your child’s excessive blinking, an eye exam can help to determine the cause. A pediatric ophthalmologist can examine the symptoms and may enquire when your child’s blinking is worse. The doctor may conduct several tests, including:
 

·       Eye doctors examine the front eye surface using a slit lamp. A special microscope with a bright light can detect any issues affecting the cornea.

·       Checking eye alignment and movements can determine if your child has strabismus. The condition is not always obvious, especially when the eyes cross intermittently.

·       Tests to check visual acuity. Vision tests can determine if your child requires eyeglasses.
 

Treatment for Excessive Blinking

Treatment for excessive blinking will depend on the cause. Removing an irritant or eyelash from the eye can reduce blinking. Eye drops can help to treat dryness and allergies, while eyeglasses may be prescribed to correct refractive errors.
 

If strabismus or misalignment is the cause, the doctor may recommend patching, eyeglasses, or surgery. If your child has a corneal abrasion, they may need to wear a patch. Antibiotic or moisturizing eye drops or ointments may also be prescribed. If excessive blinking is habitual or from a tic, you should find out the trigger.
 

Pediatric Eye Exam

While it may not lead to vision loss, excessive blinking may be a symptom of an eye issue. If your child blinks excessively, it is necessary to visit a pediatric eye doctor for an exam. If the doctor detects other symptoms, a neurological exam may be necessary.
 

For more information on why your child blinks excessively, visit Neuro-Vision & Rehabilitation Center. Our office is in Folsom, California. Call (279) 321-9059 to book an appointment today.

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/excessive-blinking-children
 

https://www.aapos.org/glossary/excessive-blinking-in-children