Apparatus and method for restoring eyelid function
US5522889A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F9/00718
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus is provided to restore eyelid function in a patient unable to voluntarily raise an eyelid. The apparatus includes a spiral torsion spring and pulley arrangement mounted in a housing that is implanted in the superior portion of the orbit of the eye. A wire connects the pulley to the eyelid. A spiral torsion spring provides the necessary spring force in tension to overcome the weight of the eyelid and draw the eyelid open. The natural muscles of eye closure are, however, sufficiently strong to overcome the spring tension thereby paying out wire from the pulley and closing the eye so as to provide normal blinking function. A position setting gear allows the biasing force of the spring to be selectively reduced sufficiently to allow the eye to remain closed for sleep or at other desired times. A method of treating ptosis is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.