Excessive Blinking

Overview

Blinking is an automated reflex of the body. It occurs automatically, but you can also control it. You can blink when you want to. When you blink more than usual, then it is termed excessive blinking. For example, we blink more while talking and when we are nervous or in pain. Opposite to this, we blink less when we sense danger or when we are reading. Babies and children blink only two times per minute, but they blink about 14 to 17 times per minute when reaching adolescence age. It remains constant until you have an eye condition that could increase the blinking frequency.

What Is Excessive Blinking?

Excessive blinking is referred to a condition in which you blink more than you want to blink. Several things can act as a trigger and can cause excessive blinking. The most common cause in adults is the problem related to the surface of the eye. Excessive blinking might be irritating but rarely can cause any serious issues. Serious issues are caused only when it is a part of a neurological syndrome. (when it is linked to neurons). Blinking lubricates and cleans your eyes. It is done by spreading the tears on the surface of the eyes. It also protects your eyes from dust particles by blinking and closing their eyes.

What Are The Causes Of Excessive Blinking?

Several reasons can lead to the generation of the condition of excessive blinking. They are:-

• Allergies.
• Dry eyes.
• Corneal abrasion (external scratch on your eyes)
• Conjunctivitis (red eye)
• Spasm in eyelids
• Untreated problems related to vision
• Crossed eyes
• Anxiety
• Dust particles in your eyes
• Psychological problems
• Stress
• Fatigue

How Excessive Blinking Is Diagnosed?

The doctor may diagnose the problem of excessive blinking simply by looking at your eyes. He will look for strabismus, conjunctivitis, or inwardly grown eyelashes. For knowing the reason behind your excessive eye blinking, the doctor may:-

• Order a refraction test to confirm if you might need eyeglasses.
• Conduct a complete eye exam by looking at the movement of the eyes.
• Use a slit lamp to view the larger picture of your eyes.

What Are The Treatments For Excessive Blinking?

Generally, excessive blinking is not a serious issue. It may go away on its own without any requirement for treatment. But, still, if you need treatment, the doctor may advise you on the treatment based on the reason behind the cause. For example, suppose the excessive blinking is related to allergies, inflammations and any injuries caused to the eye. In that case, the doctor prescribes some eye drops, eye ointments or other medicines. A patch might also help in healing your eyes. If an ingrown eyelash causes excessive blinking, the doctor will get it out of the eyes. The doctor may also prescribe you eyeglasses, or he can also ask you to perform some eye exercises to help with your vision.

How Do You Prevent Excessive Blinking?

In most cases, excessive blinking can be prevented if we know its cause. Some tips that can help prevent the excessive blinking of eyes are:

• Try to indulge yourself more in activities that can help you reduce stress and anxiety.
• Use lubricating eye drops that will keep your eyes moist.
• Try to minimise the time spent in bright lights and sunlight.
• Take breaks frequently while reading or working at a computer. It will help in avoiding eye strain.
• Avoid contact with materials that irritate your eyes, especially smoke and allergens.
• Get regular eye checkups, and make sure you are wearing eyeglasses with the correct prescription.

What Are The Risk Factors Of Excessive Blinking?

If a person is experiencing any of the following conditions, then he is at high risk of getting affected by excessive blinking:-

• Dry eye.
• Stress.
• Eye strain.
• Bright light.
• Eye strain.
• Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Excessive screen time
• Inflammation of the iris.
• Inflammation of eyelids.

When To Consult A Doctor?

When excessive blinking starts causing these problems, you should consult a Eye Doctor In Ghatkopar.

• It has started affecting your everyday life.
• If eye blinking does not stop in an hour
• When it has started interfering with your day to day life vision, like when driving