Innovative Blinking Exercise App Developed by Optometrist to Alleviate Dry Eye Symptoms

An optometrist from Aston University, Professor James Wolffsohn, has designed an effective blinking exercise routine to help individuals suffering from dry eye disease. To make these exercises more accessible, he has also developed a free mobile application called MyDryEye, available on both Android and iOS platforms, which guides users through the optimal blinking techniques to reduce their symptoms.

Dry eye disease is a prevalent condition affecting approximately one-third of adults and 20% of children, characterized by inadequate or poor-quality tear production. This leads to discomfort, gritty feeling, itchiness, watery eyes, and temporary blurred vision. The condition is particularly common in older adults and can be worsened by environmental factors like dry air caused by air conditioning, dust, wind, prolonged screen use, and incomplete blinking.

While blinking exercises have long been recognized as beneficial, determining the most effective technique has been unclear. Professor Wolffsohn’s research identified that a close-squeeze-blink cycle performed 15 times, three times daily, offers the best results. Participants experienced a decrease in symptom severity and frequency, along with fewer incomplete blinks. Notably, the benefits diminish within two weeks of stopping the exercises, highlighting their efficacy.

The studies involved 98 participants in a two-week trial to evaluate different blinking routines, with a subsequent study of 28 individuals confirming the effectiveness of the selected exercise pattern. The resulting app, MyDryEye, not only allows users to monitor symptoms and risk factors but also provides reminders, tracks compliance, guides through science-based blink exercises, and helps locate specialists.

Professor Wolffsohn emphasizes that these exercises should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include artificial tears, omega-3 supplements, or warm compresses. He states that doing just three minutes of targeted blinking exercises thrice daily can significantly improve quality of life for those with dry eyes.

This research underscores the potential of simple, daily habits and innovative digital tools to manage and alleviate dry eye symptoms effectively.