Excessive Blinking

Blinking of the eyes is normal and is essential to remove the dirt that gets accumulated on the surface of the eyeball. Tear glands located in the upper eyelid generate tears, a liquid that is primarily made up of water. Eye blinking transport tears from tear glands to the surface of the eye, which helps in cleaning the eyes. Usually, blinking about 15-16 times every minute is normal but when the blinks dramatically increase to 30-40 per minute, this condition is termed as excessive blinking, that can affect one or both the eyes.

Causes

Dry Eyes
As we all know, dry eyes occur when tear glands in the eyes are unable to produce tears in sufficient amounts. This lack of moisture can make a person blink excessively during the day. Persistent dryness associated with diminished production of eyes can be a cause of great discomfort, to which the person may react by blinking the eyes excessively.

Presence of Foreign Object
A foreign object trapped under the lower eyelid causes irritated eyes and one may respond by blinking excessively. This may continue until the foreign particle is removed.

Eyelid Spasms
Spasms refers to the uncontrolled movement of muscles that usually last for a minute. In eyelid spasms, a common eye problem, the upper eyelid muscles move 'to-and-fro' involuntarily for a stipulated period of time. In case of severe eyelid muscle spasms that can last for several minutes, it may appear as if the person is blinking persistently.

Eyesight Problems
Excessive blinking in children has also been associated with eye vision problems. Children who are unable to see properly due to birth defects that appear as blurred vision are also seen blinking excessively.

Brain Disorders
A recent study reveals that the blink rate is regulated by the brain. So presence of any abnormalities or diseases in the brain can have a negative impact on the blink rate. Development of tumors in the brain can also cause involuntary blinking of the eye. Infections of the brain can also produce these unwanted changes that affect the eye.

Absence Seizures
This is a type of seizure (involuntary movement of any body part) that is typically marked by decrease in alertness and is accompanied by constant blinking of the eye. Absence seizures are the result of abnormal electrical activity that occur inside the brain.

Anxiety
Too many eye blinks occurs as a response to a stressful situation. Worrying about something for prolonged periods of time, can trigger an intense feeling of anxiety. This may cause muscle spasms of the eyelid.

However, in most cases blinking often in children is not worrisome and vanishes without any treatment. Many times, too much physical activity that causes fatigue, results in repeated movements of the eyelids. In such cases, taking adequate rest resolves the issue.