Did You Know : How Fast Is A Blink Of An Eye?

How Fast Is A Blink Of An Eye?

One blink lasts about a tenth of a second. The average person blinks every 4 seconds, – that is about 15 times per minute, or over 20,000 times a day, depending on how long the person stays awake. Although each blink lasts about a tenth of a second, which isn't a lot of time, it is enough to clean and lubricate the surface of the eye.

Blink and Rest

Blinking protects the eyes from bright lights and irritants. Scientists have found that blinking also helps the brain get a much-needed break.

Excessive Blinking

Some people blink more than 20 times per minute. Several factors such as problems with the eyelids, ingrown eyelashes, a scratch on the cornea, infections, insufficient tear production or needing glasses can cause excessive blinking. An eye doctor will diagnose the problem and find a treatment, which may include the use of glasses, eye drops or ointments.

A few individuals who are too stressed or bored can develop a blinking tic (voluntary excessive blinking), but that can disappear within a few weeks or months. People also tend to blink more during stressful situations and less when they are concentrating, for example, when reading a book or playing video games.

Not Enough Tears

Dry eye is a condition that affects many millions world-wide and it's the number one reason people see an ophthalmologist. When someone has dry eye, they don't produce enough tears to lubricate and clean the eyeball, which leads to excessive blinking, itchiness and redness. Over-the-counter artificial tears can ease the arid sensation, but sometimes dry eye means there is an underlying health problem.

People with lupus, rosacea, arthritis and other autoimmune conditions usually have dry eyes. As people age, tear production diminishes and dryness becomes a problem; hence artificial tears are needed to lubricate their eyes.

Mites, microscopic bugs that cling to eyelashes and feed on sebum, also cause dry eye and therefore excessive blinking. Although this doesn't sound pleasant getting rid of them is easy. Most eye doctors recommend applying warm washcloths over the eyes and massaging the eyelids.

In rare cases, prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause dry eye. If this is the case, the easiest solution is speaking with the doctor who prescribed the medication so that they can recommend a treatment for dry eye or prescribe a different medication that does not have dry eye as a side effect.

Image/words above, also more to read and references, can be seen in article here

Please be aware that this post, and any comments, has been provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your eye health or general health, you should contact your local health care provider, it is always important to seek doctor's advice. 

All the best Jan