3 yrs old keeps blinking his left eye

Created by
Updated on Jun 05, 2013
My son is 3 years 5 months now, earlier I never seen him blinking his eyes so constantly. Past couple of months he has been using computer, ipad & iphone a lot, could this be a reason for this? and is there any thing to be alert? When he is in front of screen he blinks couple of times as if getting irritation but when asked he does it more as getting more attention... dont know weather he is doing for getting attention or its real. Need some advice

| Jun 06, 2013
Dear Kedar. Does he also blink more when watching tv? It could be that this eyes are drying out due to him concentrating on the screen (of the computer, iPad and iPhone). This could end as abruptly as it started. To be on the safer side, you could get his eyes checked and speak to an ophthalmologist for his/her advice. Hope this helps.

| Jun 06, 2013
Hey Kedar, rate of blinking can definitely increase by excessive exposure to bright lights through the screens of various gadgets you mentioned and typically the child complains of irritation or strain (this seems to be there in your case). However,the most common cause of excessive blinking is behavior abnormalities commonly referred to as tics. These habits usually last for 2 - 3 months or so and are not associated with ocular pathology. It can help that you make sure that your child watches T. V from apt distance and in proper light. And as you rightly mentioned, children of this age can voluntary do such behaviour to seek attention so just don't let him know that you are concerned about his excessive blinking .... :)