What causes a child to constantly blink their eyes?
May 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
Frequent eye blinking in children may be caused by improper eye use habits, foreign body irritation, viral conjunctivitis, trichiasis, or Tourette syndrome. To prevent this, it is important to avoid prolonged use of electronic devices, ensure adequate rest, maintain good eye hygiene, and pay attention to the child's mental health by promptly identifying and addressing potential psychological issues.
Generally, frequent blinking in children may be caused by improper eye use habits, foreign body irritation, viral conjunctivitis, trichiasis (inward-growing eyelashes), or Tourette syndrome. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Improper Eye Use Habits
When children spend prolonged periods using electronic devices, reading books, or using their eyes in inadequate lighting conditions, eye fatigue can result. To relieve this discomfort, children may blink excessively, which might be accompanied by symptoms such as dryness and blurred vision. No special treatment is required; instead, ensure regular breaks—rest the eyes for at least 5 minutes after every 45 minutes of visual activity.
2. Foreign Body Irritation
When foreign objects such as dust or eyelashes enter the eye and irritate the cornea, the child may blink repeatedly in an attempt to remove the object and alleviate discomfort. This is often accompanied by a sensation of something in the eye and tearing. Usually, no medication is needed. The foreign body can be flushed out using normal saline solution.
3. Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by a viral infection. Inflammation irritates the conjunctiva, causing eye discomfort. To relieve this, children may blink excessively. Other symptoms include conjunctival congestion and increased eye discharge. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include antiviral eye drops such as ganciclovir eye drops, moroxydine hydrochloride eye drops, or ribavirin eye drops.
4. Trichiasis
Trichiasis refers to abnormally directed eyelashes that grow inward toward the eyeball. These lashes irritate the cornea, causing discomfort, leading the child to blink frequently to relieve the sensation. Symptoms may also include tearing and pain. If trichiasis is severe and conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical correction such as eyelid entropion surgery may be performed under medical guidance to restore normal lash growth direction.
5. Tourette Syndrome
This is a chronic neurobehavioral disorder potentially related to genetic, environmental, and neurotransmitter abnormalities. It involves involuntary, multiple tics—including eye blinking—leading to persistent blinking in children. Other symptoms may include facial muscle tics and vocal tics. Medications such as sertraline hydrochloride tablets or haloperidol tablets may be prescribed according to medical advice.
Parents should guide children to develop good eye-use habits, maintain proper eye hygiene, and pay attention to their mental health, promptly identifying and addressing any potential psychological issues.
