Blinking is something most of us do automatically without thought. Sometimes we blink because of external stimuli, like when an object comes close to our eye. Other times we blink because we are tired, or our eyes are experiencing fatigue. Why is blinking so important?
What Does Blinking Do?
Closing and opening your eyelid seems simple, but it serves an essential purpose. First, it cleans the eye by removing small particles that may have landed on it. It also helps moisturize eyes so that they don’t dry out.
Blinking is also part of our mental process. When you blink, it allows your brain to release attention on one thing and engage in cognitive activity. The act of blinking lets the brain assimilate what you are looking at. It gives us a brief mental rest while we observe and mentally process the world around us.
When Should I Blink?
Scientists estimate that the average person will blink between 15 and 20 times every minute. That totals as much as 1,200 times per hour or 28,8000 blinks per day. You should allow yourself to blink naturally.
There may be times when you need to blink more often. If you experience the discomfort of a foreign irritant in your eye, try blinking. The same goes for dry eyes.
People using computers for a prolonged period of time tend to blink 60% less. This can lead to dryness and strain. Remember to blink often when looking at a monitor or device screen. Also, practice the 20-20-20 rule: look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds once every 20 minutes.
If you are experiencing eye irritation or dry eyes, please let us know. Schedule an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists at Grosinger, Spiegelman & Grey today.