ds1 (5yo) keeps staring at bright lights

[mummypig]

I am getting very concerned about ds1's behaviour. Just before the summer hols he started staring at bright lights, and either flicking his eyes back and forth or shaking his head very slightly. I'm not sure he's aware he's doing it. If I ask him to stop he usually stops.

After the first few times I'd noticed I asked him why he was doing it, and he said that one of his friends at school does it. I'm not sure if that is true or not - he's very capable of making something up on the spot if he thinks it will satisfy me enough to stop further questioning. Dp thinks ds isn't aware when he's doing it.

But I am getting really concerned that
(a) he will damage his eyes permanently;
(b) it is a habit or tic that he won't grow out of;
(c) it is indicative of something more serious going wrong with his vision or his neurology;
(d) when other kids pick up on it they will tease him about it.

I've even explained (a), (b) and (d) to him but not (c) - in the hope that it might stop him - but if he's unaware he's doing it this doesn't really help.

I would love some reassurance about what it might mean and when or how he might stop doing it...

can't help other than to bump for you, sorry

no help but bump

I would mention this to your gp , just in case this is related to anything more serious than just enjoyment of the 'dark spots' in eyes!!

First off, he won't damage his eyes so you can relax about that one. It's very likely he's just experimenting with the lights and the after-images. Ds2 used to do this and used to love following the after-image of the flash when he had his picture taken. He is now 9 and hasn't done it for a few years
It is not indicative of a vision problem or a neurological problem. By all means have his vision checked if it makes you feel better but this on it's own doesn't mean that there is a problem.
He may get teased about it which may make him stop or only do it in private!

thanks chipmonkey that's somewhat reassuring