What Causes Abnormal Eye Movements In A Child?

Posted on Mon, 30 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 30 Jun 2014 Answered on

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : i baby sit a 7 year old girl that when I ask her a question that she really has to think about she will sometimes move her eyes to the extreme right or left and her eyes move around counter clockwise in a circle.. them she will look at me and give me the answer..... this is very rare put I am going to tell her mother tomorrow about it......... I have been with this child after school and this summer and it has happened about three time....... your thought please

Answered by Dr. Arun (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
its just a habit

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to health care magic.
From your description it looks like she is thinking and doing probably a mannerism which she could have learnt from school or friend.
Kids generally do these kind of mannerisms, which shouldn't be a concern, if they don't do it all the time. If she is doing it only when you question her, it is normal.
Keep telling her to avoid doing it , as this can cause eye strain. Instead you can tell her to do some harmless activity like swaying the body or finger tapping etc.
Regards
Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad