You usually don’t think about it when you do it, but blinking is important to keep your eyes healthy. On average, you blink 15 to 20 times a minute, which adds up to about 1,200 times an hour. So why is it so important to blink all the time?
Why do you have to blink?
Even though it doesn’t seem like much, blinking is actually an important part of your overall health and wellness routine. Blinking cleans the surface of the eye and gets out any debris by washing it out with fresh tears. The fresh tears help keep your vision clear and bright. Blinking also gives nutrients and oxygen to your eyes, keeping them healthy and comfortable.
Blinking and screen time
When you’re on the computer, watching TV or looking at your phone, you don’t blink as much as you should, and you might have more incomplete blinks. If you spend the majority of your day looking at screens, you could have problems with eye strain or dry eyes. To combat this, take breaks from looking at screens so your eyes can rest. Also try to make a conscious effort to blink more frequently if you start to notice that your eyes are getting tired.
Blinking with Contacts
If you wear contacts, you may not blink as often. It can be uncomfortable for the eyelid to close over the lens, which leads to less blinking. You may notice dry eyes and irritation, which could potentially lead to infection. This is one reason why patients are usually unhappy with contacts.
Blinking is an important part of keeping your eyes healthy, so if you notice dry or irritated eyes, blinking could be the best treatment. If you’re having trouble with dry eyes, no matter how much you blink, use artificial tears to help lubricate your eyes and clear out any debris.