Why is blinking important?

W: Hi, Tom. How’s your chemistry paper going?
M: It’s coming along. But I’ve been staring at this computer screen for hours and my eyes hurt.
W: Yeah, doing that can make your eyes feel really dry and tired. You should take a break.
M: I can’t. I have to get this paper written. It’s due tomorrow.
W: You know, I read about computers and eye problems recently. The article says that they are usually caused by not blinking your eyes enough.
M: Blinking? I thought I just needed new glasses.
W: Nay. When you blink, the movement of closing and opening your eyes, even thought it happens really fast, helps moisten your eyes. It’s the lack of moisture that causes the problem.
M: Oh, that makes sense. But what does it have to do with the computer?
W: People who use computers tend to stare at the monitor and blink less often than they normally would. That leads to dry irritated eyes.
M: Well, that certainly helped mine feel now. They really hurt.
W: The article I read about office workers found that the workers averaged 22 blinks a minute when relax, but just 7 a minute while looking at text on a computer screen.
M: Wow, that’s quite a difference.
W: They also kept their eyes open wider, which means that moisture evaporated more quickly.
M: I wonder if using some kind of eye drops would make them feel better.
W: That might help. But the best prescription is to take a break and rest your eyes.
M: Ok. Let’s go and get some coffee. I can finish this later tonight.