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Published on: May 26, 2018
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Blinking kinematics characterization during digital displays use
Cristian Talens-Estarelles1, José Juan Esteve-Taboada2, Vicent Sanchis-Jurado2
1Department of Optics & Optometry & Vision Sciences, University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain. cristian.talens@uv.es.
Summary
Reading on digital displays alters blinking patterns, reducing blink rate and amplitude. Incomplete blinks increased on computers but decreased on smartphones, affecting blink speed and duration.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Visual Science
Background:
- Digital screen usage is prevalent for reading.
- Understanding visual ergonomics is crucial for digital device design.
- Blinking is essential for ocular surface health and visual comfort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare blinking kinematics during reading across various digital displays (laptop, tablet, e-reader, smartphone) versus a control condition.
- To identify how different screen types influence blink rate, completeness, amplitude, and duration.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-two healthy young adults participated in a prospective clinical study.
- Blink patterns were recorded for 150 seconds using an eye-tracking device while participants read on different digital displays and a control.
- Image analysis was employed for non-invasive, detailed blink movement assessment.
Main Results:
- Blink rate significantly decreased on all digital displays compared to the control.
- Incomplete blinks were more frequent on computers and less frequent on smartphones.
- Blink amplitude was reduced on handheld devices, and blink speeds varied between computer/control and handheld displays.
Conclusions:
- Blinking kinematics are significantly altered when reading on digital displays compared to a baseline.
- Differences in display setup and cognitive load likely contribute to observed variations in blinking patterns.
- Findings highlight the need for optimized digital display ergonomics to maintain ocular health.
