Why has the automatic blinking stopped in my child?

Question

Hello doctor,

My son is 16 years old. He is myopic, with the approximate power in the left eye being -5.5 spherical and cylindrical - 0.5, right eye being -6 spherical and cylindrical - 0.75. For the last few days (4 to 5 days) he is facing a problem with his eyes. He feels his automatic blinking has stopped and has to blink consciously. He has also been complaining of eye irritation, itching, and watering in the eye, which happens as he is not blinking. He is reminded of blinking when the itching or watering starts. He is disturbed because of this and not able to concentrate on his studies. What has caused this reduced or no blinking? It is really worrying.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First of all, we have to take care of itching and watering, and for that, you have to start Moxifloxacin eye drop four times a day for five days and Refresh Liquigel eye drop (Carboxymethylcellulose sodium) six to eight times a day. It can be continued for a long time as it has no side effects. Now coming to the blinking part, blinking is a response that is to be carried out by both the conscious and unconscious mind. You are saying that unconscious blinking has reduced. To diagnose the problem, we have to conduct a cotton wisp test by an ophthalmologist, by which we can check the child's corneal sensation because if the corneal sensation is reduced, it can lead to reduced blinking. Also, while you are at the doctor's, you can have him rechecked for glasses to see whether the prescription for glasses has changed or not because that can lead to watering. Spending more time on mobiles and laptops can cause reduced blinking. So, please look into it.