Eye-Pressing in Children Who Are Blind or Low Vision

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Have you noticed your child who is blind or low vision frequently pressing, rubbing, or poking their eyes? It’s natural to feel concerned or upset when you see this behavior. Rest assured, however, you’re not alone in wondering why it happens and how you can support changing behaviors. 

Let’s explore why eye-pressing is common in children with vision impairments, the possible effects on their eyes, and some gentle ways to help your child change this habit. 

Why Does Eye-Pressing Happen? 

Children who are blind or have low vision may press their eyes because their brains aren’t receiving enough visual input. According to research from Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, eye-pressing is less common in children whose optic nerves don’t function, which suggests that pressing the eyes may be a way for children to try to stimulate visual sensations. It can feel satisfying or calming, almost like scratching an itch. 

Eye-pressing can also be reflexive, a habit that forms over time. For some children, pressing or rubbing their eyes provides a form of stimulation or comfort when visual feedback is limited. This behavior might help them feel more grounded or provide some visual sensations, making it difficult for them to stop. 

Is Eye-Pressing Harmful? 

While it might seem harmless, long-term eye-pressing can cause physical damage to the eyes. Some potential effects include: 

  • Retinal detachment 
  • Corneal damage, including scratching or thinning 
  • Increased risk of infections 
  • Receding of the eye socket 
  • Further impairment to any existing vision 

Over time, these issues can cause lasting damage, so it is important to gently help your child reduce this behavior before it becomes harmful. 

How Can You Help Your Child? 

Helping your child break the habit of eye-pressing can take time and patience. Here are a few strategies that may help: 

  • Offer Alternatives: When you notice your child pressing their eyes, gently guide them to a different, safer activity. You might encourage them to explore a sensory toy, squeeze a stress ball, or use a fidget toy that keeps their hands busy. 
  • Gentle Reminders: Calmly remind your child when they are pressing their eyes and offer a positive alternative. It is important to avoid making them feel ashamed, as this could lead them to engage in the behavior more secretly. 
  • Engage Their Other Senses: Sometimes, children press their eyes for stimulation. Try engaging their other senses—offer toys with interesting textures, sounds, or smells to distract them from the urge to press their eyes. 
  • Physical Activity: Encourage activities that get your child moving, like playing with a ball, dancing, or swimming. Physical activity can provide sensory input and may reduce the need for eye-pressing. 

By providing alternatives and staying consistent with gentle reminders, many children can reduce or even stop eye-pressing over time. 

APH OpticAware: Wearable Band  

Seek the assistance of supportive technology like APH’s OpticAware smart wristband to help track and understand your child’s pattern of eye pressing. The child receives a gentle vibration (undetectable to others) whenever they raise their hand to eye level, and the companion iOS app records instances of eye pressing throughout the day. Through this invisible reminder and collected app data, the child and you can gain insight into the child’s eye-pressing triggers and work together toward reducing and hopefully eliminating the eye-pressing behavior. 

Research and Resources 

Studies suggest that eye-pressing may occur in response to a lack of visual stimulation, making it a form of self-stimulation for children who are blind or have low vision. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology recommends offering sensory alternatives to address this need.