What department should children visit for squinting eyes?

Generally, when children have eye blinking tics, the appropriate medical department should be selected based on specific causes. Common departments for consultation include ophthalmology, neurology, psychology, allergy, and pediatrics. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Ophthalmology: Local eye conditions are the primary cause of eye blinking in children. For example, conjunctivitis or keratitis can cause itchy eyes and a foreign body sensation due to inflammation, prompting children to blink or squint to relieve discomfort. Misdirected eyelashes (trichiasis) may rub against the eyeball, leading to frequent blinking—this is especially common in infants and young children with underdeveloped eyelids.

2. Neurology: If eye blinking is accompanied by other movements such as eyebrow twitching, shoulder shrugging, or throat clearing, it may indicate a tic disorder, often related to neurological dysfunction. This type of blinking tends to recur and is difficult for the child to control voluntarily. A neurologist can perform professional assessments to differentiate between physiological and pathological tics.

3. Psychology: Prolonged mental stress, changes in family environment, or heavy academic pressure may lead children to develop eye blinking as a way to release emotional tension. This type of blinking often worsens in specific situations and occurs without any organic eye abnormalities. Psychologists can help alleviate anxiety through counseling and assist in correcting maladaptive behaviors.

4. Allergy: After exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, children may experience allergic reactions in the eyes, including itching and swelling, resulting in frequent eye blinking. An allergist can identify the specific allergen through testing, recommend avoidance strategies, and provide anti-allergy treatment, thereby reducing the triggers of blinking at the root cause.

5. Pediatrics: When the cause of eye blinking is unclear or accompanied by symptoms such as decreased appetite or poor energy, an initial visit to a pediatrician is recommended. Pediatricians can conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the child’s overall health, screen for issues like colds or micronutrient deficiencies, and refer to specialized departments as needed to prevent missed diagnoses.

When parents notice their child frequently blinking their eyes, they should avoid scolding or forcibly stopping the behavior, as this may increase psychological stress. Daily attention should be paid to maintaining eye hygiene and limiting screen time. Seeking timely evaluation from the appropriate medical specialty can help quickly identify the underlying cause and enable effective intervention.