What causes frequent blinking in children?
May 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
Frequent blinking in children may be caused by emotional stress, visual fatigue, inward-growing eyelashes (trichiasis), bacterial conjunctivitis, or tic disorders. To prevent frequent blinking, parents should pay attention to their child's emotional state, reasonably schedule screen time to avoid visual fatigue, and maintain good eye hygiene to prevent eye problems such as trichiasis and conjunctivitis.
Frequent blinking in children is usually caused by factors such as emotional tension, visual fatigue, trichiasis (inward-growing eyelashes), bacterial conjunctivitis, or tic disorders. When physical discomfort occurs, it should not be ignored, and medical attention should be sought promptly. The specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Emotional Tension
When children are in a state of tension or excitement, emotional changes can affect the function of the nervous system and eye movement, leading to frequent blinking. This may also be accompanied by tense facial expressions, restlessness, or irritability. Parents can help young children alleviate emotional stress through cognitive behavioral therapy.
2. Visual Fatigue
Prolonged use of electronic devices, reading, or studying can cause eye strain, resulting in frequent blinking. Symptoms may also include dryness, pain, and redness in the eyes. Regular eye breaks, limiting screen time, and applying warm compresses with a towel can help relieve fatigue.
3. Trichiasis
Trichiasis refers to eyelashes that grow inward, irritating the cornea and conjunctiva, causing discomfort or pain. To relieve this irritation, children may blink frequently and experience symptoms such as eye pain and excessive tearing. In such cases, medical treatment at a正规 hospital, including surgical removal of the misdirected lashes, may be necessary.
4. Bacterial Conjunctivitis
This is an inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by bacterial infection. The inflammation leads to ocular discomfort, resulting in frequent blinking, often accompanied by itching, pain, and other symptoms. Under medical guidance, treatments may include chloramphenicol eye ointment, compound neomycin sulfate eye drops, or diclofenac sodium eye drops.
5. Tic Disorder
Tic disorder is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary, repetitive muscle contractions or movements. When affecting the muscles around the eyes, it may lead to frequent blinking, along with other symptoms such as facial muscle tics or vocal tics. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as risperidone tablets, sertraline hydrochloride tablets, or haloperidol tablets.
In daily life, parents should pay attention to their child's emotional well-being, reasonably schedule screen and study time, maintain good eye hygiene, and take preventive measures against eye conditions such as trichiasis and conjunctivitis.
