Worried about 2 year old - advice?

[Flowerpotprincess]

For the last month or so my 2 and a half year old DS has been acting a bit strange.

He has constantly been rubbing both of his eyes and narrowing them as though he is trying to see better. Oddly he seems to be able to see things though, even things at a distance.

He is also obsessively grabbing his head and both ears, almost as though he is trying to get to an itch but doesn’t actually scratch if that makes sense? He has also said on the odd occasion “ouch my head”.

I booked him an eye test at a high street opticians and they said there was nothing they could do as he was too young and have said to go back to the GP which I now have an appointment for in 2 weeks time.

I am becoming slightly anxious about all of this and was wondering whilst I’m waiting to see a doctor if anyone has experienced anything like this? It doesn’t appear to be allergy related as he has no signs of redness, watering, rashes etc etc and it is relentless regardless of what the weather is displaying. I don’t however have any experience of things like hay fever so would be unsure if this could be counted as symptoms.

An anxiety fuelled, irrational side of me is becoming concerned about things like neurological conditions or a brain tumour, so if anyone can help share any experiences or talk me down I would be grateful!

GP is right, they will refer to optimology (think it’s that!) at local hospital if they are concerned. My daughter had a lazy eye and although we waited 7 months from referral to hospital appointment, the appointment was v thorough and happily confirmed all was okay.
If he is seeming in pain though, I would expect to be fast tracked. Sounds odd but potentially sight related? If he’s straining to see things it could cause headaches. Hope you get to the bottom of it!

I'd speak to the pharmacist about some eye drops for hay fever just to rule it out. You don't always get all the symptoms
My only symptom of hay fever as a child was falling asleep!

@Flowerpotprincess hi 👋 how are you and your LO doing? I have just posted today about a very similar picture. Feeling anxious too!

Sorry for the late reply - we have been on holiday and only got back a few days ago.

Im sorry to hear you are experiencing something similar - unfortunately we are no further along in finding out what’s causing the issue and I’m more anxious as a few other things have happened since. DS vomited all over the floor when we got back from holiday, and is now saying he has ‘bugs in his eyes’. The doctors appointment was not reassuring - gave us liquid antihistamines for potential allergies which have so far not made any difference. Im planning on taking him back tomorrow and pushing for further tests.

How is your little one doing now? I’m desperately trying to reassure myself that it could still be something innocent but the vomiting episode and seeing things is making me spiral.

Oh I am so sorry to hear about it. And I 100% can relate to the spiralling feeling. The anxiety just becomes so big. Especially when doctors are being vague. It is so unhelpful. That being said and I know you will be thinking thr worst now thinking this is somehow confirmation of your fears. But it is sooooo common for a child to pick up a bug on holiday. Hey, I do on my every 3rd holiday!

Has he continued to hold his head / ears?

We have been to a GP and referred to paediatrician. GP also said that we should find a high street optometrist who would take such a a young child as current waiting list is incredibly long.

Yes, definitely take him back tomorrow and push for a referral, or if he is sick again I'd be tempted to take him to A&E or ring 111 ' and tell them you are worried about the 'bugs in the eyes'. I will be thinking of you xx

Just wondered how you were getting on and how was your LO doing. We had a better week but in the last week he started whimpering and rubbing back of his head, complaining or headache along with his eye complaints. So getting really low now.