How You Blink Per Minute Can Determine If You Have An Underlying Health Condiion, Here's What You Need To Know

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Blinking is a natural and involuntary action that helps protect and moisturize the eyes. The average person blinks about 15 to 20 times per minute. However, the frequency of blinking can vary depending on various factors, including health conditions.

Surprisingly, how many times you blink per minute can provide valuable insights into your overall health condition. Through this post, let us understand the relationship between blinking rate and health, and how changes in blinking frequency can indicate potential health issues.

Normal Blinking Rate

As mentioned earlier, the average person blinks about 15 to 20 times per minute. This rate can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, and environmental factors. Blinking helps spread tears across the surface of the eye, keeping it moist and lubricated. It also helps protect the eyes from dust, debris, and other foreign particles.

Blinking and Health Conditions
Changes in blinking frequency can be indicative of various health conditions.

According to the American Parkinson Disease Association, research has shown that the average amount of times a patient with Parkinson's blinks per minute can slow down to one or two times per minute. Also, another study in 2011 found that those with Graves' disease blinked slightly less frequently than healthy participants, with an average of 13 blinks per minute.

Also, according to health experts, excessive blinking can also occur when the body tries to compensate for dry eye disease, which can occur for multiple reasons. One of these is Sjogren's syndrome - an autoimmune disease that leads to dry eyes and a dry mouth. Further, blinking frequently could also be a motor tic associated with Tourette syndrome, which develops during childhood and subsides over time by adulthood.

1. High Blinking Rate (More than 20 times per minute)

- Stress and Anxiety: Increased blinking can be a sign of stress or anxiety.
- Dry Eyes: In some cases, excessive blinking can be a symptom of dry eyes, where the eyes do not produce enough tears.
- Eyelid Twitching: Excessive blinking can also be a sign of eyelid twitching, a condition called blepharospasm.

2. Low Blinking Rate (Less than 15 times per minute)
- Fatigue: A low blinking rate can be a sign of fatigue or tiredness.
- Medications: Certain medications can reduce blinking frequency as a side effect.
- Neurological Conditions: In some cases, a low blinking rate can be a sign of neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease.

Other Factors Affecting Blinking Rate
Apart from health conditions, several other factors can affect blinking rate, including:

1. Age: The blinking rate tends to decrease with age.
2. Gender: Women tend to blink more frequently than men.
3. Environment: Factors such as air quality, humidity, and temperature can affect the blinking rate.
4. Screen Time: Extended periods of screen time, such as staring at a computer or smartphone, can reduce the blinking rate and lead to dry eyes.

Monitoring Blinking Rate
Monitoring your blinking rate can provide valuable insights into your health. You can do this by counting the number of times you blink in a minute. If you notice a significant change in your blinking rate or if you experience other symptoms such as eye pain, redness, or vision problems, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation.

Blinking is a natural and essential function of the eye that helps protect and moisturize the eyes. Monitoring your blinking rate can provide valuable insights into your overall health and help identify potential issues early on. If you notice any significant changes in your blinking rate or experience other eye-related symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice promptly.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.