Excessive Blinking in Children: Causes & When to Worry

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.

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.