It is a basic, natural reflex that is essential for protecting our eyes. Every time we blink, we are spreading a thin layer of tears over the surface of our eyes. This ensures that our eyes are moist, clear, and free from any irritants. The average number of times we blink per minute is between 15 and 20. But research has found that our blinking rate significantly decreases while using digital devices.
The blinking rate can reduce by almost 50% while we are focused on our phones, laptops, or tablets. This excessive gazing at screens results in the evaporation of the tear film, causing dryness, irritation, a burning sensation, and blurry vision, commonly known as digital eye strain. Such low rates of blinking can weaken our eye’s natural protective mechanism.
This is not an eye problem; it is a problem related to our new lifestyle. By making ourselves conscious of blinking and following the 20-20-20 rule (looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes), we can get our eyes back to normal.
Sometimes, protecting our eyes begins with something as simple as remembering to blink.
Are screens slowly weakening one of our body’s most natural and important protective reflexes?
MBH/PS