Using iPhones to measure blink exercise compliance

Lifestyle factors can be triggers for the development of dry eye symptoms, with an increasingly common culprit being screen use: blinking becomes less frequent and the quality of the blink is reduced. Evidence shows incomplete blinking is associated with increased levels of meibomian gland dysfunction¹, which can cause dry eye symptoms. To help reduce the severity of these symptoms, blink exercises may be recommended by eyecare practitioners. There is, however, a paucity of evidence on the efficacy of blink exercises in easing dry eye symptoms². This lack of evidence is compounded by concerns about the level of compliance with recommended blink exercise instructions.