Blinking is essential. Every time our eyelids close, salty secretions from our tear glands sweep over our eyes’ surfaces, protecting them from harmful particles. The average person blinks 12 to 15 times per minute but when you’re in front of a computer screen, that number decreases dramatically to 3 to 4 times per minute. With the average American spending 6 to 8 hours each day in front of a computer, we’re missing out on hundreds of opportunities to cleanse and protect our eyes.