Excessive Blinking in Children

This blog on excessive blinking in children has been contributed by Dr. Imran Jawaid, Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist.

Excessive Blinking in Children: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Blinking is a natural and essential reflex that protects the eyes. It helps keep the eyes’ surface lubricated and shields them from bright light, dust, and other irritants. However, when blinking becomes excessive, it can indicate underlying issues, particularly in children. Understanding the causes, treatment options, and preventive measures is crucial for ensuring your child’s eye health.

Understanding Blinking Rates

The blinking rate in newborns is typically low, occurring as infrequently as twice a minute. As children grow, this rate naturally increases, reaching approximately 14-17 times per minute in teenagers. Various factors, such as exposure to bright light, changes in temperature, and humidity, can also temporarily increase the blinking rate.

Causes of Excessive Blinking

Excessive blinking in children can stem from several underlying causes:

• Eyestrain: Eyestrain can occur due to reading in poor lighting, lack of sleep, or excessive screen time. When the eyes are overworked, they may respond by blinking more frequently to alleviate discomfort.
• Inflammation: Conditions such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) or an irregular tear film can lead to irritation and increased blinking as the eye attempts to clear the discomfort.
• Eye Allergies: Allergies affecting the eyes can cause itching, redness, and irritation, leading to frequent blinking as the body’s reflex to manage the discomfort.
• Ocular Surface Disorders: Any disorder affecting the eye’s surface, such as dry eye syndrome, can lead to excessive blinking as the eyes try to maintain adequate moisture.
• Refractive Errors: Conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, which require corrective lenses, can result in frequent blinking as the child struggles to focus clearly.
• Strabismus (squints): Misalignment of the eyes, known as strabismus or squint, can also lead to frequent blinking as the eyes attempt to adjust to maintain proper focus and alignment.
• Neurological Disorders: Although rare, certain neurological conditions can manifest as excessive blinking. Examples include Tourette syndrome or other tic disorders, which can cause involuntary blinking. Parents should be attentive to other symptoms, such as facial tics or unusual eye movements, and seek a specialist’s opinion if these are observed.

Recognising the Symptoms

Parents may notice several signs that indicate excessive blinking in their child:

• Increased Frequency: The child may blink more often than usual, even with no apparent irritants.
• Tight Eye Closure: The child may shut their eyes tightly with each blink.
• Awkward Eye Movements: Rolling or widening of the eyes may accompany the blinking.
• Rubbing of the Eyes: A continual need to rub the eyes may indicate discomfort or irritation.

These observations should prompt a consultation with a paediatric ophthalmologist, especially if the blinking persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Management and Treatment

The management of excessive blinking involves addressing the underlying cause. A paediatric ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough eye examination to diagnose the condition accurately. Treatment options may include:

• Corrective Glasses: Prescription glasses can help reduce eye strain and, consequently, blinking when addressing significant refractive errors.
• Lubricant Eye Drops: Regular use of topical lubricant eye drops can alleviate dry eyes and reduce the need for frequent blinking.
• Medication: If eye allergies are identified as the cause, appropriate medications can be prescribed to manage the symptoms effectively.

Promoting Healthy Visual Habits

It is important to encourage healthy visual habits in children to prevent excessive blinking. Recommendations include:

• Sunglasses or Wide-Brim Hats: These helps protect the eyes from bright sunlight, reducing the strain caused by glare.
• Proper Lighting: Ensure that children read in well-lit environments to minimise eye strain.
• Screen Breaks: Encourage regular breaks from digital screens to rest the eyes. A useful guideline is the 20-20-20 rule—taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away.
• Balanced Diet and Hydration: A diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with adequate hydration, supports overall eye health.

Conclusion

Excessive blinking in children can be concerning, but it is often a symptom of an underlying issue that can be addressed with the proper care. Understanding the causes, recognising the symptoms, and seeking timely treatment from a paediatric ophthalmologist are essential steps in managing your child’s eye health. Promoting healthy visual habits and remaining vigilant about your child’s eye behaviour can help prevent and manage excessive blinking effectively.