Blinking is an involuntary reflex that occurs automatically in the human body. However, people can also intentionally blink if they choose to do so. Excessive blinking refers to blinking more than usual, which can be caused by a variety of factors. In adults, the most common cause of excessive blinking is a problem on the surface of the eye.
While excessive blinking can be bothersome, it is usually not a cause for concern unless it is part of a neurologic syndrome that includes other symptoms. Blinking serves several functions, including lubricating and cleaning the eye’s outer surface by spreading tears, as well as protecting the eye by closing it to keep out irritants, bright light, and foreign objects.
Babies and children blink only about twice per minute, while adolescents blink 14 to 17 times per minute. This number remains constant throughout adulthood. Blinking frequency can increase when a person is nervous, talking, or in pain, and decrease when reading or sensing potential danger.
Excessive blinking is not well defined, but it is generally considered excessive when it interferes with a person’s daily life, vision, or activities.
What can cause excessive blinking?
Excessive blinking occurs when your blinking reflex is overstimulated by something. Most of these causes can affect adults and children.
Eye irritation
Excessive blinking may occur when the front surface of your eye is irritated by various factors, such as:
- Eye irritants, including smoke, pollen (due to allergic reaction), pollution, chemical vapors, foreign objects, or dust in the air.
- Dry eyes
- Corneal abrasion or other types of eye injuries
- Trichiasis (an ingrown eyelash)
- Conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye)
- Iritis (inflammation of the iris)
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid)
Eyestrain
Eyestrain refers to the discomfort and fatigue that occurs in the eyes as a result of prolonged focus on a single object or task. There are various factors that can contribute to the development of eyestrain, with some of the most prevalent being:
- Exposure to intense light, especially when it is overly bright or glaring.
- Extended periods of reading, particularly small print or materials that lack proper contrast.
- Spending long periods of time working or engaging with a computer, tablet, or smartphone screen, which can lead to digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.
Vision problems
The following are the most frequently occurring vision issues that can be easily corrected with corrective lenses:
- Myopia: Also known as nearsightedness, it causes difficulty in seeing faraway objects clearly, particularly without the proper corrective eyewear.
- Hyperopia: Also known as farsightedness, it causes difficulty in seeing nearby objects clearly, particularly without the proper corrective eyewear.
- Presbyopia: It is a vision problem caused by age-related changes in the eyes, resulting in difficulty in seeing nearby objects such as reading menus, newspapers, and books.
- Strabismus: It is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned, leading to difficulty in focusing on a single object.
Movement disorder (eye dystonia)
The two most frequently occurring eye movement disorders are:
- Benign Essential Blepharospasm: This condition is characterized by spasms in the muscles surrounding the eye, resulting in quick, involuntary blinking.
- Meige Syndrome: Meige Syndrome is a disorder that includes blepharospasm, along with involuntary spasms in the jaw and mouth muscles.
Habit
Some people get into the habit of involuntary excessive blinking. It may become a habit after initially starting from one of the causes described above (especially stress), but sometimes there is no preceding cause. For some people, eye blinking becomes a nervous tic.
Serious conditions that can cause excessive blinking
Excessive blinking may be caused by various factors, including neurologic conditions like Wilson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Tourette syndrome. An ophthalmologist or optometrist can use tools and equipment in their office to diagnose the cause of eye blinking problems. Treatment options may include taking medications, correcting vision with prescription glasses or contact lenses, undergoing vision therapy, or practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or exercise. Prevention strategies include avoiding eye irritants, keeping eyes moist with lubricating drops, avoiding prolonged exposure to bright light, taking frequent breaks during computer work, and getting regular eye exams. While excessive blinking usually goes away on its own, it is essential to seek medical attention if it persists or is accompanied by other neurologic symptoms or eye conditions.
How are eye blinking problems diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider can diagnose certain eye conditions such as strabismus, conjunctivitis, or an ingrown eyelash simply by examining your eyes. However, for other conditions, an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) may need to use specialized equipment and tools available in their office.
If you’re experiencing eye blinking problems, your doctor can determine the underlying cause by:
- Conducting a thorough eye exam to assess your eye movements
- Performing a refraction test to determine if you need corrective lenses
- Utilizing a slit lamp, a specialized microscope that provides a magnified view of your eye, to identify any issues.
