Frequent eye blinking in children often causes concern in their parents and caregivers. While the symptom may appear harmless, it can quickly become severe if not addressed. However, early consultation with an expert might offer solutions for control and assurance. In this article, you can learn how to address this symptom in children and when it's appropriate to bring them to a specialist.
Blinking is a natural reflex that shields your eyes against dryness, harsh light, and approaching objects. Excessive blinking occurs when you blink more than usual. It is primarily prevalent in children and can become a permanent phenomenon. According to various studies, a newborn blinks twice each minute. In adolescence, this rises to 14–17 times per minute and stays there for the rest of one's life.
If your child is blinking more than the specified number, then it’s a matter of concern. Excessive blinking in children may result from discomfort, intense light, emotional changes, temperature, and moisture shifts.
The following causes trigger frequent blinking of eyes in the child:
Corneal issues comprise conjunctivitis, dry eyes, ingrown eyelashes, foreign bodies in or beneath the eyelids, corneal abrasions, allergies, and more. Such disorders contribute to frequent blinking in children.
The excessive blinking habit is called tic. Tics are typically brought on by exhaustion, boredom, or strain. Tics are mostly benign, and kids eventually outgrow them with time.
Several vision problems can lead to excessive blinking in children. The sure signs of such problems can be frequent headaches, squinting, the sudden appearance of floaters, and more.
Blinking rates in children with crossed eyes may be higher than average. Crossed eyes generally start to develop in toddlers by the time they are three years old. In such cases, the direction of one eye could differ from the direction of the other and cause blinking excessively.
To examine your child's eye movement, your physician will do some examinations. These can be:
The ophthalmologist may examine the cornea and other structures at the front of the eyes with a slit lamp and a microscope with powerful light and diagnose the abnormalities.
The physician examines the movement and alignment between both eyes. Squints can initially be subtle; thus, various eye exams are performed to detect their movement before the course of treatment to reverse this condition is determined.
Visual acuity tests determine the quality of a child's vision. If the physician examines any disorder, treatment will follow.
Depending on what's causing it, treatment for frequent blinking may include:
The eyelash or other allergen causing blinking is removed. Removal of a foreign element is a short process and has no downtime.
Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter or pharmaceutical eye drops and additional medications for allergies, conjunctivitis, or an eye infection.
When a refractive defect like nearsightedness (myopia) results in excessive blinking, glasses are recommended.
Your kid could have to wear a patch if the physician diagnoses corneal abrasion. This lessens blinking and promotes wound healing. Consider using eye drops or ointments with moisturizers or antibiotics.
If you have observed conditions like allergies and excessive blinking in your child for a long time, it is wise to have it investigated by a medical specialist who can assess and follow your child's vision and advise you on the best course of action.
The following are indicators that you need to get help right away:
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