Can the Blind Blink Their Eyes? | MedGuidance
Blinking is something that we do throughout the day whilst rarely realizing. The question may have crossed your mind at one time or another – do all people blink, including the blind? This article will answer that question, as well as provide information about the action of blinking.
Yes, blind people do blink because blinking and sight are controlled by different nerves. Blinking is an involuntary action of the body, its purpose is to clear any dust from the eyes and ensure that they remain hydrated. One can also voluntarily, or consciously blink, and a blind person can also. There are instances an individual may not blink.For example, when damage was caused to the cranial nerves via an infection or stroke.
Why Do Normal People Blink?
You may also be wondering what makes us blink without consciously doing so. The area of the brain responsible for the action of blinking is called the chordate nucleus. From this section of the brain, signals are sent to the muscles around the eyelids via the nervous system.
What’s quite interesting is that when we blink we don’t actually notice that we’re blinking because our brains filter out the signal. It’s the same as when you move your eyes around a room. Your brain cuts out the signal of when your eyes are moving so that you don’t get confused and feel like the world is spinning. It’s called corollary discharge.
After knowing "Do blind people blink" and "Why do we blink" you may also be curious about this question. On average, an individual blinks once every 6 seconds or so and will blink around 23,040 times per day (24 hours), or 15,360 in a 16-hour day (to account for sleeping, when blinking does not take place).
As previously stated, blinking is required to ensure that the eyes remain hydrated and to remove any dust from them. When we blink and the eyelids become closed, the eyes become lubricated and dust is flushed away as tear duct secretion is swept across them. In environments that are irritating to the eyes, such as a room filled with smoke, one may blink more to ensure the eyes remain hydrated and free from dust particles.
Do We Blink All the Same at All Time?
Not really. Scientists have shown that frequency and duration varies under different conditions.
We blink less when highly focused: It has been found that one blinks less when they are processing information, such as reading a book. We blink more often when we are not taking in and processing information. In this way, blinks are like punctuation marks of the mind, signaling a pause in the activity in your head.
Emotional state affects our blinking frequency: Some evidence also suggests a correlation between people’s emotional state and the frequency in which they blink. The blink frequency and duration may vary when tired. Those who have not have sufficient rest tend to blink more, and for longer durations.
What If You Blink Too Much?
To recap, we have answered the question – do blind people blink? We now understand how and why we blink, and how frequently, but what happens if you blink too much?
Why Do I Blink Too Much?
Excessive blinking is blinking that seems more frequent than typical. It can involve one or both eyes. It may seem more forceful than normal. It may also be associated with other movements (tics) of the face, head or neck.
Excessive blinking can be caused by problems with the eyelids or anterior segment (front surface of the eye), habitual tics, refractive error (need for glasses), intermittent exotropia or turning out of the eye, and stress. It is very rare for excessive blinking to be a sign of an undiagnosed neurologic disorder. However, A medical check-up is advised to rule out any underlying condition that may cause you harm.
How to Deal With Excessive Blinking?
If an abrasion or conjunctivitis is diagnosed, eye drops or ointment may be given. Glasses may be prescribed if the excessive blinking is caused by blurry vision.
Methods of hypnosis can work to target your subconscious mind and rid you of this subconscious habit. It may also help to try and be calm, relaxed, and without concern.
Try to focus on things that you enjoy, and forget about the action of blinking if possible.