Question

Our 7-month-old baby has been blinking frequently lately, and someone suggested it might be due to a vitamin deficiency. Could you please list the symptoms of vitamin deficiency?

Answer

Blinking is a normal physiological response that helps to clear away foreign objects in the eyes and lubricate the cornea. However, if a baby blinks too frequently, it is not normal. This may be related to the following conditions: Entropion: Since a baby’s nose is not fully developed, the skin on the inner side of the lower eyelid is pulled upwards, causing a small portion of the eyelashes to be inwardly turned, brushing against the cornea. This irritation can lead to excessive blinking. This type of blinking usually does not harm the cornea and will disappear naturally as the body develops. Keratitis: Keratitis can also cause blinking, often caused by viral infections such as simple herpes keratitis. This frequent blinking occurs suddenly and may be accompanied by symptoms like red eyes, tears, and photophobia. With timely treatment, this eye disease will disappear quickly.