Look After Your Eyes

How Eye-Tracking Can Benefit Your Eye Health

Blink Frequency and Blink Quality

You might be surprised to learn that we typically blink between 13 to 17 times per minute. Since the blink reflex happens so fast and occurs mostly subconsciously, it goes mostly unnoticed.

During prolonged screen time, this rate decreases significantly to around 5 to 7 times per minute. Worse, not only does the frequency decrease, but so does the quality of our blinking. The number of incomplete blinks, where the eyelids do not close completely, increases.

One of the primary functions of blinking is to keep the eyes moist and healthy. Every time we blink, a thin layer of tear film is spread evenly across the eye's surface.

Besides providing crucial lubrication and washing away debris or irritants that may settle on the eye, the tear film also transports nutrients and oxygen to the cornea. Since the cornea lacks blood vessels, the outer corneal cells rely mostly on oxygen diffusion from the air, which the tear film facilitates.

Consequences of Infrequent Blinking

When we blink less frequently, the tear film is not replenished as often, leading to dry spots on the cornea. This can cause discomfort, blurry vision, and a sensation of grittiness or burning in the eyes. Chronic dryness can also lead to more serious issues like inflammation or damage to the corneal surface.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), also referred to as Digital Eye Strain, Office Eye Syndrome or Gamer Eye Syndrome, is a condition commonly experienced by individuals who spend extended periods working on computers or other digital devices. Symptoms include dryness, irritation, redness, and blurred vision. Over time, this can contribute to chronic dry eye, a condition where the eyes are unable to maintain a healthy tear film.

The intense focus required by the eyes while working on a screen often leads to a reduced blink rate, exacerbating symptoms of dryness and eye strain. Prolonged exposure to screens and the visual demands of the task (e.g., reading small text), especially in a low-light environment, can further strain the eyes and worsen symptoms.

Importance of Regular Breaks

To mitigate the effects of reduced blinking and prevent digital eye strain, it is essential to take regular screen breaks. The 20-20-20 rule is a popular and effective strategy: every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break and look at something 20 feet (ca. 6 meters) away.

This practice helps relax the eye muscles and encourages blinking, which in turn keeps the eyes moist and comfortable. The BlinkEasy App accurately monitors the times you spend looking at the screen and prompts you to take a break when necessary. Conscious blinking and periodic screen breaks are simple yet effective ways to ensure that your eyes remain healthy.