How does blink reflex save my eyes from tiny objects which are not normally visible?

Question

I was walking and there was this unnoticeably small fibre and hurled towards my eye. Without even realising, my eyelids showed anime like reflex to protect me from any pain. After collecting it from the eyelashes, I found that it was a tiny fibre particle which we can’t usually see. I realised that this might have happen many times.

But I’m confused that if I can’t see it (my eyes are perfect 6/6 and without any problems till now), how were my eyelids able to sense it and protect it from me. Also if someone is visually challenged, does that affect this reflex.

Thank you in advance for any explanation as this thought had left me bewildered.

In: Biology

Answer 1

You probably could see it, but not in focus. The very blurry somethingorother flying towards your eye was enough to trigger the reflex.