As parents it is very important to be familiar with enough information about visual development to make intelligent observations, and know when, where, and how to help your child.
It is very important to detect any signs of abnormal visual development. Early detection and treatment can often eliminate or decrease the risk of long term complications. Due to the close interrelationships between all sensory systems, delays in visual development can also interfere with many other aspects of development.
Parents of infants or toddlers should recognize signs and symptoms of abnormal visual development including:
- Frequent inward, outward, upward, or downward eye turning.
- Excessive tearing of the eyes.
- Excessive blinking or squinting.
- Obvious favoring of one eye.
- Squinting or frequent closing of one eye.
- Covering of one eye with hands when looking at objects.
- Drifting of one eye when looking at objects.
- Swollen or crusted eyelids.
- Unusual redness of the eyes or eyelids.
- Bumps, sores, or styes on or around the eyelids.
- Unusual position of the eyelids or drooping eyelids.
- Excessive rubbing or touching of the eyes.
- Avoidance of bright lights.
- Turning or tilting of the head when looking at objects.
- Tendency to bump into objects on one side.
- Frequent headaches, nausea, or dizziness.
- No improvement of eye-hand coordination with age.
If any of the symptoms above are recognized, it is important to seek care from a doctor of optometry. Modern technology makes it possible to successfully examine and treat infants and toddlers.
My guess is the amount of light generated by the TV screen combined with the movement of characters in most children's shows is a bit much for your young son to process, thus the blinking which is a normal reaction to stimuli. There is often so much going on across the screen, it may just be his reaction.
I would ask your pediatrician for his or her opinion and also ask for a referral to a pediatric opthalmologist.
When my grandson was two we noticed he would lay on the floor on his side, propped on his elbow with his hand covering his one eye. We noticed this was the only way he watched TV. He now wears glasses to watch TV as he was diagnosed with Amblyopia or "lazy eye". He is now four and his eye has improved to the point where he now longer requires glasses.
Better to have him checked to make an accurate diagnosis.
Perhaps there is a university medical school in your area. Often, they have clinics with a low fee. You may also want to check with your local health department as they may be able to direct you to a free eye exam for your son.
You could also call a local optometrist and ask the receptionist if they know of any free or low payment vision screening clinics for children in your area.