What Does Blinking Do for Eye Health?

Blinking is one of the most automatic things your body does — averaging 15 to 20 times per minute. But this simple action is critical for eye health.

Each blink spreads a fresh layer of tear film across the surface of the eye, keeping it moist, clean, and clear. Blinking also removes small debris and helps distribute oxygen to the cornea, which has no blood supply of its own.

In the digital age, screen time dramatically reduces blink rate — sometimes by half. This contributes to digital eye strain and dry eye symptoms. The 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can help. If dry eye is persistent, our team can recommend treatment options.