Do you also blink often? (Blinking) – Let's talk about this!

Blinking is a very common thing that we all do. But how much do you know about this blinking? Sometimes it can be a bit annoying. So today we will talk about blinking, or `(Blinking)` in simple terms.

Why do we squint? What happens to this?

Think of it this way, blinking is like a little protection for our eyes. It's something that happens naturally in our bodies. Just like we breathe, we don't have to think about blinking. The reason for that is our body's ``Autonomic nervous system''. This is what controls many of our unconscious actions.

What happens if you don't blink?

• Your eyes will start to dry out , feel very uncomfortable, and may even hurt.
• Visibility may be reduced.
• The risk of eye infections is very high.

So, every time we blink, here's what happens:

• Protects the eyes: Prevents things like dust and dirt from entering the eyes. When something suddenly comes into contact with the eyes, we automatically close our eyes, right? That's how it is.
• Moisturizes the eyes: Tears (also called lacrimal secretions) from the lacrimal glands on top of our eyes spread throughout the eye. This keeps the eyes moist and comfortable.
• Cleans the eyes: Removes dead cells, dried teardrops, and other small debris from inside the eye.
• Nourishes the eyes: This eye patch also helps the eyes receive the oxygen and nutrients they need.

Simply put, blinking is a very important function that we do to keep our eyes healthy.

Are there different ways to apply eye drops?

Yes, you probably didn't think so, but there are three main ways to wink:

1. Spontaneous blinking: This is the type of blinking we do most of the time, and it happens without us realizing it. It's like breathing.

2. Voluntary blinking: This is what we do voluntarily . You can blink right now if you want to, right? That's it.

3. Reflex blinking: This happens when something comes too close to our eyes. Imagine, if we suddenly get caught in a dust storm, or if a cricket ball flies past our face, we blink and close our eyes, right? That's called the Corneal reflex. This is actually a natural way to protect our eyes.

How many times do we blink a day?

On average, an adult blinks between 14 and 17 times per minute . That's between 840 and 1020 times per hour! Imagine, if you sleep for 8 hours a day, you might blink between 13,440 and 16,320 times a day while you're awake.

This is really just an average. Some people may blink less, some more. The important thing is, if the amount of blinking you have is not interfering with your daily activities, then it is nothing to worry about.

Does it reduce eye strain while looking at the computer or phone?

Yes, that's true. Research has found that when we stare at a computer screen or a phone for long periods of time, we blink a lot less. While we normally blink 14-17 times per minute, when we stare at a screen, that number can drop to around 5 times per minute.

This reduction in eye contact can lead to eye strain, chronic dry eye, and eye fatigue.

If you work in front of a computer for a long time, remember the "20-20-20 rule". That is,

• Every 20 minutes,
• Look at something that is at least 20 feet away,
• Watch for at least 20 seconds.

If you add this habit to your daily life, it will greatly help reduce eye strain, fatigue, and dryness.

What are the health problems associated with eye twitching?

There are several main conditions that can commonly be associated with eye twitching:

• Excessive blinking
• Involuntary twitching of the eyelids (Blepharospasm)
• Eye pain when rubbing the eyes

Let's look at each of these in a little more detail.

Why do some people blink excessively? (Excessive blinking)

There's no exact amount that's "too much." But if it interferes with your daily activities and quality of life, that's what "too much" means.

Reasons why adults often blink:

• Eye strain: This can occur when reading books or looking at the computer/phone for long periods of time.
• Allergies: Due to things like dust and pollen.
• Dry eye: Insufficient tears in the eyes.
• Eye injuries: For example, a corneal abrasion.
• Eye infections.
• Inverted eyelashes (Trichiasis): Eyelashes that turn inward, rather than outward.
• Eyelid infection `(Blepharitis)`: Swelling and redness of the eyelids.
• Facial tics.

Even young children can blink frequently. If your young child is blinking frequently, it could be due to the following reasons:

• Refractive errors: Vision problems that require glasses.
• Turning the eyes outward (Exotropia).
• Turning the eyes inward (Esotropia).
• Strabismus or cross-eyes.
• Changes in the environment: When you suddenly move to a place with more light, when the humidity changes.
• Eye disease `(Pink eye / Conjunctivitis)`.
• Stress.

Some children, especially around the age of 5, may develop a habit of blinking their eyes frequently. Although the exact cause of this is not known, it usually goes away on its own within a few months.

What is `(Blepharospasm)`?

Blepharospasm is a condition in which the eyelids twitch uncontrollably. This is different from simply blinking frequently, as it is a neurological disorder. Although it can happen to anyone, it is not very common.

Do your eyes hurt when you rub your eyes? Why is that?

There are many reasons why your eyes may hurt when you rub your eyes. Some examples are:

• Eye infections.
• A corneal ulcer.
• Allergies.
• Ingress of harmful substances into the eyes, such as dust and smoke.
• Using ill-fitting contact lenses, or wearing them for too long.
• A condition called ``Uveitis'': This causes the eyes to become painful, swollen, and red.

Can't you stop blinking your eyes so often?

Most of the time, the eye twitching will stop on its own. But in the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help:

• Use lubricating eye drops daily.
• Take frequent breaks when reading books or working on the computer.
• Stay away from environments that are harmful to your eyes (e.g., smoky rooms).
• Practice stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness meditation.
• Get regular eye exams.

In most cases, frequent blinking doesn't mean you have a serious health problem. However, if you're blinking to the point that it's interfering with your daily life, you should definitely see a doctor. Your doctor can perform an eye exam to determine what's causing you to blink more than usual.

Treatment depends on the cause. If you have a refractive error (e.g. nearsightedness or farsightedness), you may be prescribed glasses or contact lenses. If you have an allergy, swelling, or injury, you may be prescribed eye drops or ointments. If your condition is caused by stress, anxiety, or facial tics, you may be referred to a specialist.

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor:

• Eye pain.
• A liquid (like pus) flows from the eyes.
• Eye swelling.
• A sudden change in vision.

In addition, you should also see your optometrist for regular eye exams. These exams can detect common eye diseases and treat them before they become serious.

In short, things to remember! (Take-Home Message)

Most of us don't think much about blinking our eyes, do we? But this small act does a great service to our eyes. If we don't blink our eyes, we are much more likely to get eye infections and eye pain. Our eyes will always be dry and uncomfortable, and we will have to use `(Eye drops)` throughout our lives to keep them comfortable.

So, eye care is essential to keeping our eyes healthy. If you feel anything strange or problematic about your eyes, never hesitate to talk to a doctor about it. They can then devise a treatment plan that is right for you.

` Eye twitching, eye health, dry eyes, eye infections, computer use, 20-20-20 rule, Blepharospasm