Top 5 reasons why your child may be blinking a lot

Blinking is a natural process that helps lubricate and bring nutrients to the front surface of the eye (cornea). Blinking also contributes to helping us see clearly. There are different reasons as to why your child might be blinking excessively. Some of the most common causes of excess blinking in toddlers and young children are as follows:
 

1. Problems with the front of the eye, the eyelids and cornea. Such as dryness, infection, inflammation, allergy, a scratch, an ingrown lash or a foreign object.

2. Uncorrected vision, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

3. Eye mis-alignment (strabismus) or a lazy eye (amblyopia), which may require glasses, patching or vision therapy.

4. Environmental influences, such as changes in temperature, low humidity or light, which may irritate the eyes.

5. Habitual tics. These involuntary repetitive body movements may affect a child's blink pattern. They are more common between the ages of 5 to 12 years old. Also problems with emotions, such as stress, anxiety, boredom may affect the blinking behavior.
    

At Monarch Bay Optometry our doctors will evaluate the front of the eye with a specialized microscope. We will also evaluate your child’s visual acuity (how sharp they see) and muscle alignment. Our team will work with you and your child to find the best treatment solutions.