Identification of a Blink Frequency Threshold for Maintaining Tear Film Stability in Young Adults with Dry Eye Symptoms

This study involving 45 young adults with dry eye symptoms identified a critical blink frequency threshold of ≥ 20 blinks/min to maintain tear film stability. The research showed that reducing blink frequency to 10 blinks/min significantly worsened tear meniscus height, tear break-up time, bulbar redness, and eye dryness scores compared to spontaneous blinking. No significant differences were observed between spontaneous blinking and a controlled rate of 20 blinks/min. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at increasing blink frequency could help alleviate dry eye symptoms, particularly those exacerbated by digital device use.