This seems a little odd to say, but we as a society do not blink as much when we are on the computer or on a device. This is a problem when you’re trying to work all day. Incomplete and infrequent blinks were reported in several studies when viewing a computer vs. viewing hard copy. This contributes to a condition called Computer Vision Syndrome. But, why is this a problem?
Every 12 seconds, we are supposed to make a full and complete blink. This blink must include the two lids firmly pressing against each other to create suction and stimulate the glands to release oils. If the blink is incomplete – meaning the lids don’t actually touch or create suction – then the oil glands and lacrimal (water) glands do not release the tear film OR spread it over the surface of the eye.
Imagine missing blinks ALL DAY. Your eyes would certainly dry out by lunchtime. Sometimes the dryness can be felt – that sandy, gritty, dry feeling. OR it can be seen by noticing your vision fluctuates and changes every time you blink.
Imagine missing blinks consistently for YEARS. What happens to glands when they are not used as much? They get blocked and eventually they atrophy/die off. Many patients have been exhibiting loss of their meibomian glands, which cannot be regenerated once they completely atrophy. Hot compresses, nutraceuticals, blinking exercises, and some in-office procedures can be extremely effective to improve the glands over time. Remember, it takes years to get them to this point, so it can take some time to recover. And likely it can be a long-term management situation.
This is one of the more frustrating things to manage because part of it has to do with the lifestyle of ensuring you’re making complete and squeezing blinks to stimulate the production of tears. There can be some days that are good and some that are bad, but a general movement towards improvement is the most important.
Chu CA, Rosenfield M, Portello JK. Blink patterns: reading from a computer screen versus hard copy. Optom Vis Sci. 2014 Mar;91(3):297-302. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000000157. PMID: 24413278.