What causes frequent blinking?

Frequent blinking may be caused by eye strain, foreign body irritation, conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, or refractive errors. It can be improved through eye rest, removal of foreign bodies, medication, vision correction, and other methods. If blinking worsens or is accompanied by eye pain or photophobia, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Eye strain: Prolonged screen time or staying up late can cause tension in the eye muscles, leading to frequent blinking along with dryness, soreness, and discomfort. It is recommended to limit electronic device use, take a break every 30 minutes to look into the distance, and ensure sufficient sleep.

2. Foreign body irritation: Dust, eyelashes, or other particles entering the eye can stimulate the conjunctiva, triggering reflexive blinking, a sensation of foreign body, and tearing. It is advised to rinse the eyes with sterile normal saline and avoid rubbing the eyes with hands.

3. Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by bacterial or viral infections leads to itchy eyes and increased secretions, resulting in frequent blinking. Under medical guidance, medications such as levofloxacin eye drops, acyclovir eye drops, or erythromycin eye ointment may be used to relieve symptoms.

4. Dry eye syndrome: Insufficient tear production or excessive evaporation causes dryness and discomfort, prompting frequent blinking, often accompanied by a burning sensation. Patients may use sodium hyaluronate eye drops, polyethylene glycol eye drops, or vitamin B12 eye drops as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.

5. Refractive errors: Uncorrected myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism can lead to eye fatigue from constant focusing effort, causing frequent blinking and blurred vision. Timely refraction and corrective lenses are recommended, along with avoiding prolonged close-up work.

In daily life, maintain good eye hygiene, avoid rubbing eyes with dirty hands, consume more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, maintain regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles), and avoid exposure to bright light or dry environments to allow the eyes adequate rest.