BLINKING: How does one improve their blinking habits? What do "you" do?

[Nightbird]

Thanks for the link Nightbird. It says that we should try to blink every 5 seconds, but I'm not sure how train myself to do that. Perhaps the blinking routine in that article will improve that automatically. Seems as though it has to become a subconscious habit. I'm trying to imagine myself at work reminding myself to blink every five seconds, seems impossible. Stopping 15 times a day to do the routine will be a challenge enough. I will definitely give it a shot.

I'm not sure where that every 5 seconds came from. if you read the 'why' section in the app I posted above, it says 6x per minute is enough. Also TBUT equates to how often you need to blink. The faster your tear film evaporates the more often you need to blink. So if a normal TBUT is 13-15, a person with a normal TBUT would only blink about every 13 to 15 seconds. Maybe the intention was to try to get his contact lens patients to blink very often, as it's known that contacts inhibit the blink reflex?. Anyway I wouldn't worry about trying to train yourself to blink every 5 seconds, I think it's just about impossible. I think it's the quality that is more important than the quantity. A partial blink, where the lids don't meet, will not squeeze the MGs and release meibum, a complete blink will. Good luck with the exercises.

[JJdryeye]

Here are specific instructions for blink exercises:
http://www.andrewgasson.co.uk/info_blinking.htm

There is also a reminder app you can download. On an iPhone or Apple computer search for 'TearScience" in the App Store and it will come up. It probably works on a PC also but I'm not familiar with those.

Thanks for the link Nightbird. It says that we should try to blink every 5 seconds, but I'm not sure how train myself to do that. Perhaps the blinking routine in that article will improve that automatically. Seems as though it has to become a subconscious habit. I'm trying to imagine myself at work reminding myself to blink every five seconds, seems impossible. Stopping 15 times a day to do the routine will be a challenge enough. I will definitely give it a shot.

[MGD30]

Here are specific instructions for blink exercises:
http://www.andrewgasson.co.uk/info_blinking.htm

There is also a reminder app you can download. On an iPhone or Apple computer search for 'TearScience" in the App Store and it will come up. It probably works on a PC also but I'm not familiar with those.

I used the TearScience app at first too but it was unreliable and not at all customizable. I like "Stand Up!" better, you can pick the time intervals that you you want and also the days. Its on Iphone not sure about android.

[Nightbird]

Here are specific instructions for blink exercises:
http://www.andrewgasson.co.uk/info_blinking.htm

There is also a reminder app you can download. On an iPhone or Apple computer search for 'TearScience" in the App Store and it will come up. It probably works on a PC also but I'm not familiar with those.

[JJdryeye]

I've been told by most ophthalmologists that I need to improve my blinking habits and I typically didn't take it all that seriously until recently seeing one of the more prominent and well respected dry eye specialists who is really driving home that point with me, that it must be addressed and must be a huge part of my approach. I work a 40+ hour week in front of the computer, so it's a huge challenge for me, and I really wanted to see what methods have helped you guys, my fellow dry eye sufferers.

Specifically, what approach do you take, either by your own design or from a doctor that has helped you? I know there are some computer programs and blinkers that help remind you, but I was looking for anything specific that I might be able to try.

The problem I have at work is reminding myself to do it without it become a major distraction from my job.

I'd really appreciate it if some of you could weigh in and add anything that you think might be useful, I'm open to trying anything. Thanks!