blinking

This post is part of BostonSight's archival content and was originally authored by Janice M. Epstein in October 2015. Content has been updated to be current.  This content is informational in nature and should not be considered medical advice. Please reach out to your medical professional for questions about your vision.  Why Blinking is so Important Is there such a thing as blinking correctly? Throughout the day, the average person blinks about 15 times per minute. Blinking promotes a healthy ocular surface by distributing lubricating fluid over the surface of the eye. This action also helps to provide essential nutrients to the eye surface. When eyes are irritated, extra tears are produced by the lacrimal glands, and the additional fluid and blinking action help to flush out irritants. Research shows us that variations in blink rates, patterns, and strengths can have a significant impact on overall eye health and might even serve as an indicator of an underlying eye condition. A study from 2012 looking at the action of blinking uncovered a previously unknown function. Scientists wondered why we blink as much as we do when the rate of approximately 15 blinks per minute is more than necessary for eye health. It was discovered that blinking patterns are not entirely random, but tend to occur at predictable moments during reading, conversation, or watching television. Blinks tended to occur at the end of a thought or action. Brain imaging of study participants watching a television program showed that during a blink, brain [...]