Abstract
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to describe integrated technologies for blink analysis and their utility in evaluating ocular surface diseases. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL from January 1, 2000, to August 17, 2025. Search terms included “Eye Blink”, “Blink”, “Blinking”, “Device”, “Technology”, “Appliance”, and “Application”. We included studies describing the use of integrated technologies to capture and analyse blink metrics for the evaluation of dry eye disease and other ocular surface conditions. Publications describing technical engineering aspects or technologies without evaluation of ocular surface diseases were excluded. Findings from relevant studies were extracted and compared. Of 3275 identified records, 42 met inclusion criteria. We evaluated the use of 9 technologies. These comprised desk-bound devices(Intelligent Vision Sensor, LipiView™, and IDRA) , wearable devices (Wink Glass, Blink-sensing Glasses), and smartphone or computer applications(HealthyRoad, DryEyeRhythm, Dry eye or not? and EyeScore) . LipiView™ and IDRA were most commonly studied. Blink rate and partial blink rate were the most commonly analysed parameters, and DED was the most commonly evaluated ocular surface condition. Consistent with existing literature, studies demonstrated associations between increased partial blink rates and ocular surface compromise. There was however heterogeneity in methods of blink analysis and insufficient validation of the accuracy and diagnostic ability of measured blink parameters for ocular surface conditions. Integrated blink analysis technologies are promising for the assessment of ocular surface diseases. Further studies are needed to evaluate the validity, reliability, and clinical utility of these technologies.