What Causes Excessive Blinking Of The Eyelids?

Posted on Wed, 19 Apr 2017

Question: Hi! Recently I've noticed that I've begun blinking extra hard and my blinking has become noticeable. This seem to occur especially when I am eating, but also happens less frequently when I am not eating. Can someone help me understand what is happening and how to resolve it? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Blepharospasm is frequent blinking

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the query.

If you think that the eye blinking is increased recently and is harder than earlier it might be the eye lids have become heavier than they were. This is frequently observed in refractive errors or problems in the anterior part of the eye like cornea or eye lids. Even if there is dryness in the eye because of excessive screen time (lappies, tabs any screen) we find excessive blinking. In a case where there is pain while blinking it could be painful muscle contractions. In that case we call it Eye dystonia and evaluate the causes.
It is very rare to have a neurological disorder with excessive blinking, hence I suggest to see a Specialist Ophthalmologist first to check for following:
Dry eyes, Refractive errors, problems in the eye lids or cornea issues.
I am sure it should be a reversible issue at this moment.
Let me know if you have more queries.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana