Blinking is something you do naturally in order to keep your eyes healthy. Blinking helps prevent dust or foreign objects from entering your eyes. It also stops your eyes from becoming too dry and blocks out bright lights that could damage your vision. It’s very common to experience excessive blinking at some point, but it’s important to know what the reason for this is, so you can rectify it. So what does it mean when you find yourself blinking too much?
Foreign body in the eye
You may be blinking more frequently in order to dislodge something from the eye. It’s possible that whatever was irritating your eye has gone but has left a small scratch. Wash your eye out with water to make sure there’s nothing there. If the problem persists, you should see an eye specialist.
Allergies
Excessive blinking may occur in tandem with other symptoms, such as a runny nose and sneezing. Antihistamines should help.
Dry eyes
You will naturally blink more if your eyes are dry – this is your body trying to retain moisture. This can be a sign of dehydration, so reach for your water bottle and try to drink more. Eye drops may also help.
Eye strain
Too much time spent in front of a screen will cause your eyes to become tired and irritated. Make sure you take regular breaks away from your computer, tablet or phone to give your eyes a rest.
Short-sightedness
Eyesight issues can cause you to blink more as your eyes attempt to compensate. If you continue to blink excessively, getting your eyes tested would be a good idea.
Muscle tic/blepharospasm
Experiencing a short episode of muscle tics is relatively common and can be caused by many factors, including stress or excessive caffeine usage. The problem is usually short-lived. Known as blepharospasm, it can persist for longer and, though painless, could cause disruption to normal life. This longer-term problem is usually most common in those aged between 50 and 70. It is caused by abnormal nerve stimulation. It can be treated with Botox with significant improvement, though the treatment may need to be repeated.
When to consult your local opticians
Blinking a lot can be the symptom of something more serious such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease or Tourette’s Syndrome, however, you will usually experience a list of other symptoms too. If you are experiencing other health problems in addition to excessive eye blinking, please consult your doctor.
