Do you know how many times you blink in a minute?
Probably not off the top of your head, but it’s an important number, because blinking is essential to good eye health. On average, adults blink between 10 and 20 times every minute. Each blink only takes a tenth of a second, but it’s a very important tenth of a second.
Keep reading to learn why blinking is crucial for eye health and when it might be time to schedule an eye exam in Tinley Park.
Blinking cleans and replenishes our eyes
Every blink spreads a thin layer of tears across the cornea (the transparent front of the eye). These tears not only keep the eyes from drying out, but they also brush away any tiny particles of dust or dirt that can irritate the eyes and interfere with vision. Excess tears and contaminants drain through the tear ducts into the nasal passages (the reason we get runny noses when we cry!).
Intense focus can reduce blinking frequency
When we’re focusing hard on a task or something interesting like a book, game, or show, we tend to blink a lot less. In fact, under these conditions, we may blink as little as three to eight times per minute—nearly 60% less frequently than the normal, healthy rate! Over time, that can lead to problems like eye strain and dry eye.
The value of blinking exercises
We usually aren’t aware of when we blink, but making an effort to blink more often during those activities that require high focus can do a lot of good for our eyes. Try to make a habit of closing your eyes when thinking or doing something that doesn’t require vision. You could set yourself reminders to do blinking exercises each hour during periods of high focus. A great exercise to keep your eyes feeling fresh is to close them, pause, squeeze a bit, then open again and relax.
When to schedule an eye exam
Blinking plays an important role in eye comfort, but if you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, it may be time to get your eyes checked. Be sure to schedule an eye exam if you notice:
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Frequent dry, irritated, or burning eyes
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Blurred or fluctuating vision
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Headaches or eye strain after reading or screen use
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Sensitivity to light
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Excessive tearing or watery eyes
A comprehensive eye exam can determine if dry eye, digital eye strain, or another vision issue is contributing to your symptoms and help you find lasting relief.
All in the blink of an eye
Many different mechanisms work together in our eyes to make blinking what it is. We produce different types of tears, and we have tiny oil glands working around the clock to replenish the protective tear film throughout the day. Isn’t it amazing what can happen in the space of a single eye blink?
If you’re struggling with symptoms of dry eye or eye strain and blinking exercises don’t seem to be helping enough, we encourage you to call Walter Eye Clinic in Tinley Park. It’s an honor to have such wonderful patients!
