Have you ever wondered why we blink our eyes so often? It’s something we do without even thinking about, but it serves an important purpose for our eyes and overall eye health.
What is Blinking?
Blinking is when we briefly close and then reopen our eyes. It might seem like a simple action, but it actually involves several muscles working together.
Why Do We Blink?
There are a few reasons why we blink:
Moisturising the Eyes: When we blink, it helps spread tears evenly across the surface of our eyes. Tears are important for keeping our eyes moist and preventing them from drying out.
Protecting the Eyes: Blinking helps protect our eyes from things like dust, dirt, and other particles that might be in the air. When we blink, our eyelids act like a protective barrier, keeping these particles from getting into our eyes.
Clearing Away Debris: Sometimes, tiny particles or bits of dust can get stuck on the surface of our eyes. When we blink, it helps clear away these particles, keeping our vision clear.
Spreading Oils: Our eyelids have tiny glands that produce oils. When we blink, it helps spread these oils across the surface of our eyes, which can help prevent our tears from evaporating too quickly.
How Often Do We Blink?
On average, most people blink about 15-20 times per minute—that’s around 1,200 times per hour! But the rate of blinking can vary depending on what we’re doing and our environment.
For example, when reading or staring at a screen, we tend to blink less often. This can lead to our eyes feeling dry and tired, which is why it’s important to take breaks and give our eyes a rest.
Blinking and Reflexes
Blinking is actually controlled by a reflex, which means it happens automatically without us having to think about it. When something suddenly comes towards our eyes, or there’s a change in light, our brains send a signal to our eyelids to close, helping protect our eyes from potential harm.
Conclusion
So, the next time you catch yourself blinking, remember that it’s not just a random habit – it’s your body’s way of keeping your eyes healthy and protected. And if you ever find yourself staring at a screen for too long, don’t forget to give your eyes a break and blink a few extra times!
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