State Institution ‘The Filatov Institute of Eye Diseases and Tissue Therapy of NAMS of Ukraine‘

WHY DO WE BLINK?

Health
27.01.2024

Blinking of the eyes can be a normal physiological reaction, as well as a sign of some pathologies.

Physiological causes:

  • Eye muscle fatigue. If the patient fixes his/her gaze on one object for a long time or looks at the monitor for a long time, the eye muscles can get tired, causing blinking.
  • Dryness of the eyes. Insufficient hydration of the eyes can cause discomfort and thus blinking helps to moisturize the surface of the eye.

Pathological causes: 

  • Stress and anxiety. Increased blinking can be associated with emotional tension, stress or anxiety.
  • Dry eye syndrome. Lack of tear fluid can cause dryness and discomfort, leading to increased blinking.
  • Twitching of the eyelid. This is an involuntary contraction of the eyelid muscles, which can be caused by various factors, including fatigue, stress or some diseases.
  • Blepharospasm - a condition in which there is a spasm of the muscles around the eye, causing involuntary frequent blinking and closing of the palpebral fissure.

You need to visit an ophthalmologist:

  • If blinking has become bothersome to the patient, occurs frequently or lasts a long time, regardless of attempts to eliminate the factors that could have caused it.
  • If blinking is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, itching, redness or vision changes.

It is important to note that the specific causes may vary in different patients. In case of persistent problems, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Call the Filatov Institute at the following numbers:

+38 (048) 707-23-53 - reception

+38 (048) 794-17-98 - help desk

or come and make an appointment to find out more about the condition of your eyes, at the address: Odesa. French Boulevard, 49/51