How Many Times Do You Blink in a Day ? The Fascinating Truth About Your Eyes
Ever Wondered How Many Times Do You Blink in a Day? – About 20,000 Times a Day!
Have you considered how often you blink each day? You might be surprised to learn that, on average, a person blinks about 20,000 times each day. You don’t even notice it, but your eyes are working and trying to manage the strain.
Why Do We Blink So Much?
Blinking is not some random automatic action. It is a protective mechanism for your eyes. With each blink, a layer of tears is distributed evenly across the surface of your eyes to cleanse and moisten it. It is as your eyes are performing a routine cleaning. Without that cleaning mechanism, your eyes would dry, become irritated, and be in a considerable state of discomfort.
When you blink, tiny muscles called the orbicularis oculi work together to close and open your eyelids in less than a second. This simple motion of a blink keeps dust particles suspended in the air from reaching the eyes, and it resets vision.
How Often Do Humans Blink?
It is estimated that a person blinks on average 15 to 20 times in a minute of a 12-hour awake cycle; it translates to about 20,000 blinks a day. Interestingly, your blink rate is dictated by your activity.
When focusing on reading or screen activities, your blink rate decreases significantly, which can create a sensation of tired or dry eyes. During more relaxed states of conversation or thought, your blinking frequency may also increase.
What Happens When You Blink Less?
Fewer blinks, of course, result in reduced moisture. Consequently, dry eyes may occur after long periods in front of a screen. The simple fix? Follow the 20-20-20 rule. After every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds, then blink a few times.
Fun Facts About Your Eyes
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Children blink less than adults.
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Women blink more than men.
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Each blink lasts about a tenth of a second, yet your brain fills in the gap so you never notice the world go dark.
It’s estimated that a person’s eyes blink around several thousand times a day. Each of those blinks is important. So, if you find you are staring at a screen, remember to take a short break. Let your eyes relax, and admire the view.
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