The Importance of Blinking

Let’s talk about something you might not think about often—your blink rate. Spending long hours in front of a computer or engaging in visually demanding tasks can significantly reduce your blink rate. This reduction can lead to:

Dry eyes
Discomfort
Eye strain

These symptoms can make screen time more tiring and less productive.

Why Blinking Matters

Blinking is more than just an automatic reflex; it plays a crucial role in keeping our eyes healthy and comfortable. Each time you blink, your eyelids spread a thin layer of tears across the surface of your eyes, which:

Moisturizes the eyes
Washes away dust and debris
Prevents dryness and irritation
Helps maintain clear vision

When focused on a screen, your blink rate can drop by as much as 50%. This reduction limits the moisture your eyes receive and encourages incomplete blinking—when your eyelids don’t fully close. Incomplete blinks leave parts of your eyes exposed, making them more prone to:

Dryness
Discomfort
Redness
Gritty eyes

These symptoms contribute to digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.

How to Combat Reduced Blink Rate: The Blinking Exercise

One effective way to combat reduced blinking is through a simple blinking exercise. It’s easy to do and can be practiced discreetly at work, at home, or on the go.

Blinking Exercise Steps

Close your eyes fully and gently squeeze them for a second or two, then slowly open them.
- This gentle squeeze stimulates the oil glands in your eyelids, which are crucial for keeping your eyes lubricated.
Close your eyes again, but this time, squeeze your eyelids tightly for 2-3 seconds before slowly opening them.
- This stronger squeeze exercises the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is responsible for closing your eyes. Strengthening this muscle ensures your blinks are complete and effective, reducing the risk of incomplete blinks.

When and How Often to Blink Better

Frequency: Try to do this exercise once every hour or whenever you remember.
Reminders: Set a gentle reminder on your phone or use a sticky note on your monitor as a cue to take a blink break.

Even if you only remember to do it a few times a day, it will help improve your blinking habit over time.

The beauty of this exercise is its simplicity:

It’s quick and easy.
Can be done without drawing attention.
The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

Over time, you’ll find that your eyes feel more comfortable and less fatigued, allowing you to be more productive and enjoy screen time without discomfort.

The Long-Term Benefits of Blinking Exercises

Incorporating this blinking exercise into your daily routine can provide:

Short-term benefits: Keeps your eyes moist and comfortable.
Long-term benefits: Protects against the effects of reduced blink rate and incomplete blinks.

As you become more aware of your blinking habits, you’re giving your eyes the care they need to stay healthy and comfortable. Strengthening the muscles around your eyes can also improve the efficiency of your blinks, further reducing the risk of eye strain.

Conclusion

By being mindful of your blink rate and taking a few seconds to perform blinking exercises regularly, you’re taking proactive steps to protect your vision. These small habits can ensure your eyes remain in top condition, even with extended screen use. Start practicing today, and experience the benefits of healthier, more comfortable eyes.