Excessive blinking in 3 year old - anyone else's child done this?

[firststeps]

DS1 is 3.1 and for the last 3-4 weeks has been blinking excessively, coinciding with him starting nursery just after Christmas. He says there is nothing wrong with his eyes, they don't look sore and he isn't rubbing them. I wondered if it was just a habit or if I should be concerned about this?

My 2 year old had this - had referral to children's optician at hospital (normal optician does n't see them) and all fine. Best to check. It could be irratation on eye lid which you won't be able to see. It could be dry eyes and they blink to try and clear them?

could it be stress-related or perhaps he does it more when he is tired? Do you see a pattern?
Sorry it's probably not what you want to hear...but here goes...I had this discussion with my MIL recently about "strange" habits my hubby developed when he was a child (according to her). One of his habits is blinking excessively for a short period of time, but he only does this when he is very excited or very stressed.

I would take him for an eye examination - free on the NHS.

They have the equipment to check for eye health problems and excessive blinking can be sometimes be an eyesight problem.

3 years old should be OK to be seen at a normal optician just ring and ask if they have someone who specialises/good with younger children.

Also take him at a time when he is not too tired and likely to co-operate with some tests!