Why Is My Toddler Blinking A Lot?

"Blinking eyes frequently can sometimes be due to irritation from ingrown eye-lashes, dry eyes, sensitive or allergic conjunctivitis, or habitual. A careful history and clinical examination should be able to diagnose the problem and provide the optimal treatment. The advice is kept general and not a substitute for a consultation. Kindly consult your doctor or paediatrician as a detailed history and examination is important to come to a diagnosis and treatment plan. "

"Frequent blinking in children can have a number of causes or it may be caused by a tic disorder. Tics are uncontrollable movements, and they may be transient or chronic. A tic is considered chronic when it lasts more than a year. Sometimes children will develop a habitual tic in which they blink repetitively. You may notice that they can suppress the tic when they are focusing on it, and the tic will typically correct itself within a year. On the other hand, allergies, dry eyes and foreign bodies in the eye can cause discomfort that leads to frequent blinking. At times, stress may also lead to a child having frequent blinking. Eye blinking can also be a sign of a few medical disorders such as Tourette's syndrome and other eye abnormalities. If you notice other symptoms or more frequent blinking, a visit to the doctor can help determine the specific cause of the excessive blinking. "

"Excessive blinking can be caused by problems with the eyelids or front surface of the eye, habitual tic, refractive error (need for glasses), intermittent exotropia or turning out of the eye, and stress. You should get your boy check up a ophthalmologist to diagnose the cause of your child’s symptoms. "