Blinking is a vital function of the body that helps the brain visualize large patterns. We blink our eyes at a fast pace, with the average person closing their eyes briefly about 15-20 times per minute while awake. This act of blinking serves several purposes, including removing dust and debris from the eyes, preventing inflammation and injuries, and lubricating the eyes so that a person can see better.
Researchers at the University of Rochester in upstate New York have observed that blinking takes up about eight percent of the time we are awake. They believe that blinking must serve an evolutionary purpose because it interrupts visual perception and affects the way the brain processes information. The brain has to adapt to these interruptions in visual input caused by blinking to ensure that our eyes stay focused where they should.
A recent study published in the American Academy of Sciences magazine PNAS found that blinking actually enhances, rather than interferes with, the processing of visual information in the brain. Rapid blinking changes the light patterns that reach the retina, sending different signals to the brain than when our eyes are open. This helps the brain get a “big picture” of a phenomenon or coincidence, aiding in detecting patterns that change slowly.
Overall, blinking is an essential part of our visual system’s machinery. It helps us adapt to changing visual stimuli and process information efficiently. By studying how blinking affects vision, researchers are gaining new insights into how our brains process visual information and adapt to interruptions in visual input.
