Blinking is the mechanism by which tears are distributed on the surface of the eye. Tears are a marvelously complex combination of substances which lubricate, protect and nourish the surface of the eyes. Research has shown that the rate at which a person blinks decreases dramatically when staring at a computer screen (or concentrating on any task). When that decrease is prolonged, the eye surfaces cannot maintain proper lubrication and dry eye symptoms may start to occur.

So, these "Blinkers" are provided as subtle reminders to blink more often. Click on one of the eyes below, and an eye will appear in a small window that you can move to an out-of-the-way spot on your screen (an edge or corner?). The eye will blink every ten seconds, which is your cue to do the same!

NOTE: These 'blinkers' will not stay active above other windows... For a more sophisticated tool that will help you in the long-term to develop better blinking habits (and better computer habits overall), we recommend WorkRave.

If you know of another tool that helps remind you, please let me know and I'll add links here:

Vibralite watches (recommended by a reader)