If you’re an RVer over 55 and tow a trailer or operate a motorhome, you already know how important sharp, reliable vision is on the road. What you may not know is that eye blinking does more than keep your eyes from drying out.
New research and clinical trials suggest blink behavior actually plays a role in how your brain processes visual information. Smart blinking habits may actually improve your RV driving skills.
Study results
A team of vision scientists at the University of Rochester studied eye blinks. They found that eye blinks not only change the pattern of light reaching the retina, but blinks also boost visual sensitivity to low-frequency (large-scale, low-detail) features of a scene. You can read the report for yourself here.
In layman’s terms, the visual system appears to use the interruptions caused by blinks as a kind of brain refresh. Your blinks help the brain see the bigger picture despite the fraction of a second that the eyelid closes. Furthermore, although brain activity lessens as your eyelids close, it rebounds to a higher level immediately following a blink.
Why it matters
When RVers focus on the road, blink rate tends to drop. Concentration reduces blinking and can let the tear film thin, causing irritation and intermittent blurring.
On top of that, older drivers commonly have age-related changes such as reduced contrast sensitivity, slower glare recovery, and dry-eye prevalence, all of which make clear vision during long drives more challenging.
A blink that briefly improves object recognition can help your visual system pick out road edges, large vehicles, signs, and changes in the scene faster. Regular blinking also reduces blurring caused by surface irregularities on the eye.
Put simply, blinking helps the optics (tear film) and supplies a small processing boost for your brain.
Smart blinking habits
Try a short blinking routine before you begin a day of travel. (This exercise should never be used while driving.) Here’s how to do it:
• Look into the distance (about 20 feet).
• Take five slow, deliberate blinks.
• Close your eyes gently for a count of five.
• Repeat this blink pattern once or twice.
For daily maintenance, practice the full blinking routine twice a day. It’s simple and takes only a few minutes.
If your eyes feel gritty or blurry while you drive, a short set of smart blinks at a safe pullout off the roadway can often restore clarity.
Other techniques
Follow basic eye-care routines recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. These include the following:
• Take periodic breaks to rest the eyes.
• Keep your vision prescription current.
• Get routine eye exams, especially if you’re over 55. Regular exams are also important because of common age-related vision changes (e.g., cataracts, macular disease, or visual field loss). These affect driving safety and require professional management.
• If you spend time on phones or GPS while parked, remember that screen focus reduces blink rate. Smart blinking exercises can help.
• Sunglasses with UV protection and a polarized lens can reduce glare and improve contrast.
• Wraparound frames can cut lateral wind flow and reduce tear evaporation while driving with windows down.
When to see a pro
Blinking won’t replace corrective lenses, cataract surgery, or treatment for real eye disease. If you notice persistent blurring, double vision, flashes of light, a sudden drop in visual acuity, or increased glare at night, make an appointment with your eye doctor right away.
Remember
For RVers who drive long distances, a little blink awareness (and a smart blinking exercise routine) can help you keep the road in focus and reduce fatigue. Think of blinking not as a cure-all, but as one small, free tool in your driver-safety kit.
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RVT1228
Thank you Gail. I plan to use these blinking exercises.
I keep “Refresh” eye drops in the truck and apply whenever we stop. Really helps keep eyes moist.
Great information and reminder. While driving, especially in stressful situations I notice now more my eyes drying out and just being aware of this can help.
Thanks for the reminder. One other hint that was drilled into me during pilot training is to avoid “fixed focus”. In other words, keep changing the focus distance for your eyes. Look into the rear view mirrors or focus on the dead bug on the windshield for a second. Changing the focus distance will not only help your eyes see better, it keeps your brain actively involved.
Great tip, thanks Gail!
You had me blinking thru the entire article.
Nice article, Gail.
Thank you for sharing the “smart blinking exercise,” Gail! I will incorporate it. I routinely use Systane eye drops recommended by my last optometrist (https://amzn.to/4nBnsSW). Also I had cataract surgery two years ago. One of the benefits of it is that I no longer need eyeglasses or contact lens for the first time since March 1965. Additionally, wearing sunglasses is so much more useful now that the world has “brightened.” Have a great day and safe travels!