Don't ignore your child's eye rubbing – it could be more than just a habit

A recent case of a 12-year-old child highlighted an important message for parents: frequent eye rubbing is not always harmless. In some children, especially those with allergies, repeated eye rubbing may contribute to a condition called keratoconus, where the cornea gradually becomes thin and changes shape, leading to blurred vision and increasing spectacle power.

As a pediatrician with decades of experience, here's my advice;-

If your child rubs their eyes frequently, don't simply ask them to stop; find out why-

Common causes include eye allergies, dryness or irritation, all of which can be treated-Watch for warning signs such as blurred vision, squinting, frequent headaches or repeated changes in spectacle prescriptionRemember; 

Early evaluation by an eye specialist can help detect problems before they affect your child's vision permanently