Ganesh Kendale
Blinking the eyes is a natural action. It is also important to soothe and lubricate your eyes. But blinking more or less than necessary can also be a sign of some diseases. You should know about these.
Have you ever wondered how many times you blink your eyes in a minute? A normal person blinks 12 to 15 times in a minute. But this is not normal for everyone. Some people blink very little, while some people blink very much. There may be some serious conditions or problems behind this. Today in Healthshots we will understand what is the cause of blinking of eyes? And what happens when we blink less or excessively?
Why do we blink of eyes?
Blinking the eyes is a normal, healthy reflex. Because of your autonomic nervous system, you don’t have to think to blink. It happens automatically. But you can also blink “on command.” In fact, there can be three different ways to blink:
1. Spontaneous Blinking:
It is an automatic process that occurs without the need for thinking or understanding, like breathing. This is why it is said that an average person blinks his eyes 12 to 15 times a minute. Regular blinking maintains moisture on the surface of the eyes, thereby preventing dryness and irritation.
2. Voluntary Blinking:
This happens when you deliberately close your eyes. For example, you might blink your eyes or stop to look at something. This is usually done to concentrate or relax.
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3. Reflex Blinking:
This happens when something comes too close to your eyes, causing you to feel in danger. For example, a sudden object coming near the eyes or encountering dust. In this position, the eyes close immediately to allow rapid reaction to safety. This process is part of our body’s natural defense system.
All three types are important for eye protection and health. Also read: Improve eyesight: These 5 Ayurvedic remedies can be helpful in improving eyesight
Why is blinking necessary? (blinking of eyes benefits)
“Without blinking, your eyes will become dry, uncomfortable or painful,” says Dr Digvijay Singh, senior consultant and head of ophthalmology at Narayana Hospital Gurugram. You won’t be able to see clearly, and your risk of eye infections will also increase. Blinking keeps your eyes healthy in many ways. This process is necessary to provide moisture and protection to the surface of the eyes.
When you blink, a thin layer of tears spreads over the surface of the eyes. This prevents the eyes from becoming dry and being damaged by dust or other particles. Removes dead cells, dried tears and other pollutants from your eyes. Additionally, blinking is a natural way to refresh your brain by protecting it from fatigue. This provides oxygen and nutrients to your eyes.”
Blinking eyes more or less may indicate these problems.
Excessive blinking of eyes
Dr. Digvijay Singh further adds “In some people, blinking more or less can also be caused by various health conditions such as blepharospasm or blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid) and a condition called trichiasis (eyelids turning inward). Blinking frequently may be a sign of a neurological disorder.
Less blinking of eyes
Stress, fatigue, dryness in the eyes (dry eye syndrome), eye injuries such as corneal abrasions, eye infections, or certain medications can also affect the normal blinking rate of the eyelids. There is no number that defines excessive blinking. Blinking is worse when it interferes with your daily activities or quality of life.
Excessive blinking can affect children too. If your baby or toddler is blinking a lot, it may be due to:
refractive errors
Refractive errors are vision problems in which light does not focus properly due to the shape of the lens or cornea of the eye. Due to which there is problem in seeing clearly. To correct these problems, glasses, contact lenses or surgery can be used. Common refractive errors include myopia (difficulty seeing far away) and hyperopia (difficulty seeing near).
exotropia
Exotropia is a condition in which one or both eyes turn outward. This condition appears especially when the person concentrates on something. Exotropia causes a person to have difficulty with binocular vision (the ability to see with both eyes simultaneously), which can cause blurred vision or double vision. This condition can be treated through glasses or surgery.
Astrotropia
Estrotropia causes the eyes to turn inward, causing one eye to look in the normal direction while the other eye faces inward. This condition is often congenital and is more common in children. Due to this the person faces problems in binocular eye sight. Its treatment may include glasses surgery.
strabismus
Strabismus, commonly known as “crossed eyes,” is a condition in which both eyes are not aligned in the right direction. This position can occur in any direction—forward, inward, or outward. Strabismus causes blurred vision and loss of binocular eye vision. This can be treated with glasses or surgery.
environmental Change
Environmental changes include factors that can affect the eyesight, such as bright light or changes in humidity. When suddenly exposed to bright light, the eyes automatically shrink. Similarly, excess moisture or dust can cause irritation or discomfort in the eyes. It is important to take appropriate measures to protect the eyes in these situations.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye disease in which the lining of the eye (the conjunctiva) becomes inflamed. Its symptoms include redness, burning, itching and watering of the eyes. This infection can be caused by bacteria, virus or allergy. Conjunctivitis is treated depending on the cause, which may include antibiotics or antihistamines.
Some children, often around age 5, develop a compulsive blinking habit. It’s not clear why this happens, but it usually resolves on its own after a few months. Also read: World Eyesight Day: For eye health, you should remove the illusionary glasses, here is the truth of 9 myths.
If eyelids are blinking more or less frequently, then control them in this way (How to stop excessive blinking habit)
Dr. Digvijay explains that if you also have the problem of abnormal blinking, then the method of treatment depends on its cause. If the problem is related to stress or fatigue, adequate rest and stress management may be helpful. Apart from this, it is important to consult an eye specialist or neurologist for any unusual symptoms. To stop your excessive blinking habit, here are some tips:
1. Use lubricating eye drops every day.
2. Take frequent breaks while studying or working on the computer.
3. Avoid environments that irritate your eyes (such as smoky rooms or dust).
4. Practice mindfulness, meditation or other stress-reducing activities.
5. Do eye exercises, such as rolling the eyes or closing the eyelids slowly.
6. Drink enough water, as dry eyes can also increase blinking.
7. Get enough sleep, as fatigue can cause eye strain.
8. Make sure to sit in the right light while studying or working.
9. Get regular eye checkups.
In most cases, excessive blinking resolves on its own. But in serious cases, if you experience problems, take appropriate treatment with expert advice.
Also read: Burning eyes home remedy: If eyes have started burning in summer, then give them coolness and relief with these 5 home remedies.
