How Many Times Do You Blink a Day? Insights from Eye Care Experts
Have you ever stopped to wonder how many times do you blink in a day? It’s such a small, involuntary action that most of us don’t give it a second thought. Yet, this simple motion plays a huge role in protecting and maintaining your eye health. On average, a human blinks between 15 to 20 times per minute. (Source) Amazing, right?
In fact, you might have blinked at least once while reading this sentence. Blinking may not be the hottest topic on today’s dining table, but trust us, by the end of this blog you will be counting your blinks effortlessly. Let’s dive in!
Why Do We Blink Anyways?
Blinking isn’t just about opening and closing your eyes; it’s your body’s natural way of keeping them healthy and functional. Each blink:
- Moisturizes the eyes
- Removes small particles like dust or dirt
- Provides rest to the eye muscles, even when it’s for milliseconds, and
- Protects vision by acting as a reflex against sudden threats, like bright light or fast-approaching objects.
Did you realize the amount of work your eyes do regularly without even complaining? We guess not!
Also Read: LASIK for Seniors: Is it Too Late for Vision Correction Treatment?
Are You Blinking Enough?
Does your work ask you to spend hours on screen? Or do you sit in air-conditioned rooms for a major part of the day? Even if you wear contact lenses, it is highly probable that you do not blink to a satisfactory level. When you stare at screens for a longer time, you blink less which leads to dry eyes, strain, and possibly looking like a tired old person by 5 PM. Of course, no one wants dullness on their face because of tired eyes, right?
What do Experts Suggest?
Of course, there is no predetermined quota for blinking! But experts at the Lasik eye center suggest you to be mindful about the number of times you blink, especially when you work for hours in front of a screen. Here is what you can do to prevent dry eyes:
- Follow 20-20-20 rule: It says for every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds and then blink!
- Use artificial tears: No shame folks! If your eyes feel dry, you should give your eyes the nourishment they deserve. Artificial tears provide them with proper moisturization and lubrication for smooth functioning.
- Blink consciously: Get familiar with eyelid yoga. Trust us, it will help you a lot with strained and tired eyes.
Take screen breaks: Your eyes might not ask for it but try to give them some rest every few hours. Trust us, you won’t have to deal with tired eyes anymore!
Final Thoughts!
So, the next time you blink, remember it is your body's way of saying, “Don’t worry! We are keeping those eyes fresh, focused, and fabulous.”
Blinking does keep your eyes fresh, but it won’t fix your vision. If you constantly squint at screens or reach for glasses right after you wake up, it’s time you think of a long-term solution. Discover safe, affordable and expert-guided eye LASIK in Austin at Restivo Laser Vision. Book an appointment today for a better vision tomorrow!
Also Read: Understanding LASIK Eye Surgery: A Clear Path to Better Vision