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Excessive Blinking in Children

If you notice your child blinking excessively on a regular basis, there are many possible causes. Frequent blinking is often caused by a minor problem, but it may signal a more serious condition.

  1. Tic Disorder

    • Frequent blinking in children may be caused by a tic disorder. Tics are uncontrollable movements, and they may be transient or chronic. A tic is considered chronic when it lasts more than a year. Chronic tics affect less than 1 percent of children, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology.

    Tourette's Syndrome

    • When chronic body and vocal tics are both present, a child may have Tourette's syndrome. A vocal tic may be as subtle as frequent throat clearing.

    Eye Irritation

    • Children may blink excessively if they have eye irritation. Allergies, dry eyes and foreign bodies in the eye can cause discomfort that leads to frequent blinking.

    Eye Abnormalities

    • A November 2001 study published in the Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus found that eye abnormalities were a common cause of excessive blinking in children. Problems may exist with the eyelid, front of the eye, the ability to focus light or crossing of the eyes.

    Stress

    • Frequent eye blinking may be caused by stress. Identifying and reducing stressors in your child's life can help.

    Warning

    • Rarely, excessive blinking may be caused by a more serious disorder. Have your child examined by a doctor to determine the cause of frequent blinking.

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