What illness causes frequent blinking, and how should it be treated?
Feb 11, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
If frequent blinking is caused by eye strain, reduce eye usage. If it is due to allergic conjunctivitis, use olopatadine hydrochloride eye drops, tobramycin and dexamethasone eye drops, etc. If it results from dry eye syndrome, use sodium hyaluronate eye drops, carboxymethylcellulose sodium eye drops, etc. If it is caused by blepharitis or meibomian gland infection, treat with erythromycin eye ointment, ofloxacin eye ointment, chlortetracycline eye ointment, etc.
Frequent blinking may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as allergic conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, trichiasis, etc. Different management approaches can be adopted depending on the underlying cause.
I. Physiological Factors
Excessive use of electronic devices or prolonged close-up work may lead to eye fatigue and frequent blinking. It is recommended to reduce visual strain and improve symptoms through appropriate eye massage or local cold compresses.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Allergic Conjunctivitis
In cases of allergic conjunctivitis, increased eye discharge may irritate the conjunctiva, causing persistent blinking. Under medical guidance, antiallergic eye drops such as olopatadine hydrochloride eye drops, tobramycin-dexamethasone eye drops, or sodium cromoglycate eye drops may be used for treatment.
2. Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome results from insufficient tear production or excessive evaporation, leading to eye dryness and frequent blinking. As directed by a physician, treatments may include sodium hyaluronate eye drops, carboxymethylcellulose sodium eye drops, or compound dextran eye drops.
3. Blepharitis
If blepharitis causes inflammation, eye redness, and irritation resulting in frequent blinking, topical medications such as erythromycin eye ointment, ofloxacin eye ointment, or chlortetracycline eye ointment may be prescribed under medical supervision.
In addition, frequent blinking could also be related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Timely differential diagnosis and treatment according to medical advice are recommended.
