Marked reduction and distinct patterns of eye blinking in patients with moderately dry eyes during video display terminal use

To analyze the spontaneous eye-blink rate (SEBR) and blinking pattern in patients with moderately dry eyes during video display terminal (VDT) use. The SEBR of 30 patients with dry eye syndrome (median age 44.8 years, range 18 - 67 years) was measured using a computer-based video analysis system. Only complete eye blinks were recorded during 10 min of conversation, during initial VDT use and again after a preceding work period of 30 min. In comparison with SEBR during conversation (mean value 16.8 blinks/min, standard deviation 16.8 blinks/min) the SEBR significantly decreased during initial VDT use (6.6+/-4.8; P