When we blink effectively and close our eyes completely, with each blink we secrete a small amount of meibum that makes its way to the tear film. For more information see the International Workshop on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
If we do not close our eyes completely when we blink, we do not secrete all of the available meibum. If we do not blink frequently, we do not release enough meibum over time, leading to evaporative dry eye. Poor blinking also results in a poor coating of tear film over the eyes, leading to evaporative dry eye.
Poor blinking can also lead to delayed tear clearance if sufficient suction is not created to drain tears through the tear ducts.
References
Blinking is controlled primarily by ocular surface conditions
Nakamori K, Odawara M, Nakajima T, Mizutani T, Tsubota K.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
1997 Jul;124(1):24-30.1997 Jul;124(1):24-30.
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Blink rate, incomplete blinks and computer vision syndrome
Portello JK, Rosenfield M, Chu CA
Optometry and Vision Science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry
2013 May;90(5):482-7. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0b013e31828f09a7.
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Effect of incomplete blinking on tear film stability
Optometry and Vision Science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry
2013 Jul;90(7):650-7. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0b013e31829962ec
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