A Magnetic Actuator Device for Fully Automated Blinking in Total Bidirectional Eyelid Paralysis: First Proof of Concept in a Human Participant.

Purpose: Currently, no solution exists to restore natural eyelid kinematics for patients with complete eyelid paralysis due to loss of function of both the levator palpebrae superioris and orbicularis oculi. These rare cases are prone to complications of chronic exposure keratopathy which may lead to corneal blindness. We hypothesized that magnetic force could be used to fully automate eyelid movement in these cases through the use of eyelid-attached magnets and a spectacle-mounted magnet driven by a programmable motor (motorized magnetic levator prosthesis [MMLP]). Methods: To test this hypothesis and establish proof of concept, we performed a finite element analysis (FEA) for a prototype MMLP to check the eyelid-opening force generated by the device and verified the results with experimental measurements in a volunteer with total bidirectional eyelid paralysis. The subject was then fitted with a prototype to check the performance of the device and its success. Results: With MMLP, eye opening was restored to near normal, and blinking was fully automated in close synchrony with the motor-driven polarity reversal, with full closure on the blink. The device was well tolerated, and the participant was pleased with the comfort and performance. Conclusions: FEA simulation results conformed to the experimentally observed trend, further supporting the proof of concept and design parameters. This is the first viable approach in human patients with proof of concept for complete reanimation of a bidirectionally paretic eyelid. Further study is warranted to refine the prototype and determine the feasibility and safety of prolonged use. Translational Relevance: This is first proof of concept for our device for total bidirectional eyelid paralysis.

Blink Lagophthalmos in Graves Orbitopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between the kinematics of spontaneous blinks and the anterior area of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle in patients with Graves orbitopathy (GO). METHODS: This is a case-control study. The authors measured the margin reflex distance of the upper eyelid (margin reflex distance 1), the kinematics of spontaneous blinks, and the anterior area of levator palpebrae superioris muscle in CT coronal scans of patients with Graves upper eyelid retraction (GO) and a control group. The eye with the greatest margin reflex distance 1 was selected for analysis in each group. RESULTS: A total of 68 participants were included, with 36 in the GO group and 32 in the control group. In the GO group, the mean margin reflex distance 1 measured 6.5 mm, while in the control group, it was 3.9 mm. Almost all parameters related to the closing phase of spontaneous blinking activity, including amplitude, velocity, blinking rate, and interblink time, did not differ between the two groups. However, the effectiveness of the blink's amplitude (ratio of blink amplitude to margin reflex distance 1) and the main sequence (relationship between amplitude and velocity) were significantly reduced in the GO group compared with the control group. The area of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle was significantly larger in GO than in controls, with 71.4% of patients' muscles outside of the maximum range of the controls. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with GO, there is a reduction in blinking effectiveness, also known as blink lagophthalmos, which is a factor in the common occurrence of ocular surface symptoms. The increase in velocity with amplitude is also reduced in GO.

Eyelid retraction during smiling in a patient with monocular congenital ptosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Blepharoptosis is a common symptom in ophthalmology clinic, but eyelid retraction when smiling in a ptosis eye is a rare manifestation. Here we report a novel manifestation that eyelid retraction during smiling in a patient with monocular congenital ptosis. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 10-year-old girl with isolated and mild unilateral congenital ptosis showed eyelid retraction in ptotsis eye when smiling together with a lid lag on downgaze. She didn't have any systematic and ocular diseases other than myopia and astigmatism.Eyelid retraction during smiling is 5 mm, resulting in a significant difference in the height of bilateral palpebral fissures.As for ptosis, is mild.The margin to reflex distance 1 is 1.0 mm on the right eye(ptosis eye) and 3.0 mm on the left eye. A lid lag of 1.0 mm on downward gaze was noted on the right, she could close her eyes fully while sleeping.The ice pack test, laboratory test for thyroid function, whole-exome sequencing (WES) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) of the orbital and ocular motor nerves showed normal results.Her symptoms alleviated after 6 months, with the retraction of the right upper eyelid when smiling was approximately 3 mm, thus the difference in the palpebral fissure height when smiling was smaller than that at the initial presentation. CONCLUSION: Blepharoptosis may accompanied with abnormal innervation like eyelid retraction, this phenomenon can be alleviated with age.The results of the levator muscle function test should be carefully examined to determine whether it is ptosis in an impaired innervation eyelid.

[Laser Doppler flowmetry in the diagnosis of chronic mixed blepharitis]. / Lazernaya dopplerovskaya floumetriya v diagnostike khronicheskogo smeshannogo blefarita.

Chronic mixed blepharitis accounts for 51.7% of all ophthalmic diseases. The use of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) in the diagnosis of this disease can help establish the initial manifestations of the inflammatory process in the eyelids, which is important for the prevention of possible complications - dry eye disease. PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the LDF method in the diagnosis of chronic mixed blepharitis based on the study of microcirculatory changes in the eyelid skin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 23 patients with chronic mixed blepharitis (mean age 67±5.8 years) and 18 healthy volunteers (mean age 63±1.1 years). LDF was performed using the LAZMA MC-1 device. ROC analysis was used to determine sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: A typical disturbance of the eyelid skin microcirculation was revealed in chronic mixed blepharitis - ischemia - with inhibition of the intensity of the functioning of blood flow regulatory systems and moderate activation of the lymph flow. The sensitivity and specificity of the coefficient of variation (reflecting the vasomotor activity of microvessels) of blood flow was 71.43 and 71.43%, lymph flow - 65.71 and 80.00%; myogenic rhythms of blood flow - 83.33 and 85.71%, lymph flow - 66.67 and 71.43%; neurogenic rhythms of blood flow - 75.00 and 78.57%, lymph flow - 91.67 and 78.57%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Laser Doppler flowmetry of the eyelid skin in combination with clinical, functional and instrumental research methods helped reveal with high sensitivity and specificity the eyelid damage in chronic mixed blepharitis. This method allows assessment of the condition of the eyelids in individuals without diseases of the anterior segment of the eye.

Epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia (Jeavons syndrome): Generalized, focal, or combined generalized and focal epilepsy syndrome?

Epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia (EM) or Jeavons syndrome (JS) is an epileptic syndrome related to the spectrum of genetic generalized epilepsies (GGE). We report two untreated children on which EEGs were performed several hours after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS). These showed a unilateral, nearly continuous posterior slowing. This slow-wave activity was associated with contralateral epileptiform activity in one case, while in the second case, it was associated with an ipsilateral activity. However, in the latter child, a few months later an independent focus on the contralateral side was observed. A diagnosis of focal occipital lobe epilepsy was proposed in both cases, and one child underwent a left occipital lobectomy at 3.5 years of age. Despite surgery, absences with EM persisted in this child, and a marked photosensitivity to photic stimulation was observed two years later. The focal slow wave activity of one occipital lobe several hours after a GTCS in these two subjects was in favor of a focal onset preceding the generalization. The EEG evidence for independent left and right posterior focus in these two cases, the persistence of EM, and the development of a marked photosensitivity to photic stimulation in the child who underwent an occipital lobectomy, allow us to suggest that JS is associated with a network of bi-occipital hyperexcitability that rapidly engages bilaterally to produce generalized seizures.

Treatment of Severe Ptosis by Conjoint Fascial Sheath Suspension.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of conjoint fascial sheath (CFS) suspension in the treatment of severe ptosis. METHODS: A total of 110 patients with severe ptosis who were admitted to our hospital from May 2018 to December 2020 were included. Fifty-seven patients treated with frontalis suspension were assigned into group A, and the remaining 53 patients treated with CFS suspension were assigned into group B. The curative effect, ocular surface alterations, complications, and satisfaction in the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Patients in group B suffered from severe upper eyelid retraction and lid lag than those in group A, as well as more limited range of motion (ROM) (P < 0.05). The curative effect and patient satisfaction in group B were higher than those in group A (P < 0.05). Postsurgical complications in group B were fewer than those in group A (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CFS suspension is effective in the treatment of severe ptosis.

Assessment of eye closure and blink with facial palsy: A systematic literature review.

Facial palsy can cause the impairment of eye closure and affect blink, ocular health, communication, and esthetics. Dynamic surgical procedures can restore eye closure in patients with decreased facial nerve function. There are no standardized measures of voluntary and spontaneous eye closure that are used to evaluate the outcomes of blink restoration procedures. The purpose of this systematic literature review was to identify the measures used to assess normal and abnormal eye closure and blinking in patients with facial palsy. A literature search of the PubMed database using the keyword "facial nerve/surgery" was conducted. Only English language articles that pertain to the use of facial paralysis assessment systems published in the past 20 years, which involve eyelid closure were included. There were 57 articles that used a facial paralysis classification system with an eyelid closure component: House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading Scale (n = 43, 67%); Sunnybrook Facial Grading Scale (n = 9); palpebral fissure heights (n = 4), and the electronic clinician-graded facial function tool (n = 3) and three additional measures were reported once. Although the Terzis and Bruno Scoring System, blink ratio, and electronic, clinician-graded facial function scale(eFACE) Clinician-Graded Scoring System were valid measures of eyelid closure, there was no one comprehensive eye assessment that demonstrated all aspects of eye closure in facial palsy, which include closure amplitude, spontaneity, and quality of life. For blink assessment, eFACE is the most comprehensive tool currently available and recommended to be used with a patient-reported quality of life supplement that captures the specific domains related to facial nerve dysfunction.

The acts of opening and closing the eyes are of importance for congenital blindness: Evidence from resting-state fMRI.

Volitional eye closure is observed only in conscious and awake humans, and is rare in animals. It is believed that eye closure can focus one's attention inward and facilitate activities such as meditation and mental imagery. Congenital blind individuals are also required to close their eyes for these activities. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) studies have found robust differences between the eyes-closed (EC) and eyes-open (EO) conditions in some brain regions in the sighted. This study analyzed data from 21 congenital blind individuals and 21 sighted controls by using amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) of RS-fMRI. The blind group and the sighted group shared similar pattern of differences between the EC and EO condition: ALFF was higher in the EC condition than the EO condition in the bilateral primary sensorimotor cortex, bilateral supplementary motor area, and inferior occipital cortex, while ALFF was lower in the EC condition than the EO condition in the medial prefrontal cortex, highlighting the "nature" effect on the difference between the EC and EO conditions. The results of other matrices such as fractional ALFF (fALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) showed similar patterns to that of ALFF. Moreover, no significant difference was observed between the EC-EO pattern of the two subgroups of congenital blind (i.e., with and without light perception), suggesting that the EC-EO difference is irrespective of residual light perception which reinforced the "nature" effect. We also found between-group differences, i.e., more probably "nurture effect", in the posterior insula and fusiform. Our results suggest that the acts of closing and opening the eyes are of importance for the congenital blind, and that these actions and their differences might be inherent in the nature of humans.

Apraxia of eyelid opening secondary to possible progressive supranuclear palsy: a case report.

Apraxia of eyelid opening (AEO) is a disabling syndrome characterized by inability to open the eyes at will, and patients occasionally attempt to open their eyes by contracting the frontalis muscles and touching their eye lids with their fingers. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this syndrome remain unknown. Previous reports suggest that AEO is often associated with blepharospasm and is occasionally seen in patients with Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders. These reports suggest that AEO may be caused by lesions at the basal ganglia. In this report, we show a video of typical AEO.

Effect of Congenital Lower Eyelid Epiblepharon Surgery on Asymmetric Margin Reflex Distance 1.

Objectives: To investigate the characteristics of margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1) asymmetry in congenital lower eyelid epiblepharon and its resolution after surgical correction of epiblepharon.Methods: Among patients who underwent lower eyelid epiblepharon surgery from November 2015 to September 2017, patients with a preoperative MRD1 difference of more than 1.0 mm between the two eyes according to medical photographs were defined as having MRD1 asymmetry. A postoperative MRD1 difference of less than 1.0 mm between the two eyes was regarded as MRD1 asymmetry resolution. The preoperative MRD1 difference was compared between subgroups with resolved or sustained MRD1 asymmetry. Astigmatism and amblyopia were also assessed.Results: Among 432 patients, MRD1 asymmetry was observed in 24 patients (5.6%). MRD1 was always lower in the side with more extensive epiblepharon. At 6 months after surgery, the mean MRD1 difference between the two eyes was significantly decreased (1.8 ± 0.7 mm to 0.5 ± 0.8 mm, p < .001, paired t-test) and MRD1 asymmetry resolution occurred in 19 patients (79%). In the resolved MRD1 asymmetry group, the preoperative MRD1 difference was 2.0 mm or less and was significantly smaller than that in the sustained MRD1 asymmetry group (p = .010, Mann-Whitney U test). Six patients had preoperative aniso-astigmatism ≥ 1.50 D. Unilateral amblyopia presented in nine patients (38%) and improved within 1 year postoperatively.Conclusions: MRD1 asymmetry can be resolved after epiblepharon surgery, especially when the preoperative MRD1 difference is 2.0 mm or less. Unilateral amblyopia was frequent, but the treatment outcome was good.

Response to lacosamide monotherapy in a patient with medically refractory Jeavons syndrome: a case report and review of the literature.

Jeavons syndrome is a childhood genetic generalized epilepsy characterized by eyelid myoclonia with or without absences, eyelid closure-induced epileptiform discharges and/or seizures and photoparoxysmal response. This syndrome accounts for up to 12.9% of generalized epilepsies, however, it is frequently under-reported. The utility of lacosamide in genetic generalized epilepsy and Jeavons syndrome is unclear. We present a case of a 15-year-old female with medically refractory Jeavons syndrome with seizure resolution in response to lacosamide monotherapy at standard daily doses. She had failed treatment with adequate trials of ethosuximide, valproic acid, lamotrigine, topiramate and the ketogenic diet, either as monotherapy or in combination. The frequency of seizures was confirmed in the epilepsy monitoring unit. She was treated with a loading dose of 200 mg of intravenous lacosamide and started at a maintenance dose of 100 mg, twice daily. The EEG showed a dramatic response with resolution of seizures and dramatic improvement in interictal discharges. She remained seizure-free for 11 months on lacosamide monotherapy after which seizures recurred in the setting of medication non-compliance. This highlights the potential role of lacosamide as an option in this syndrome if other drugs are ineffective or not tolerated.

Age-Related Changes in Astigmatism and Potential Causes.

Astigmatism causes deterioration of the retinal image and affects vision quality. Maintenance and improvement of visual function requires an understanding of the prevalence, age-related changes, and mechanisms of astigmatism. In this article, we discuss the findings of studies that investigated astigmatism. Some of these studies showed that the prevalence of high degrees of astigmatism in childhood typically decreases with emmetropization. With-the-rule astigmatism occurs most commonly in young adults. With age, the prevalence of astigmatism increases, and the axis shifts from a predominance of with-the-rule astigmatism to a predominance of against-the-rule astigmatism. This age-related change is caused by alterations in corneal curvature. Although the cause of this change is not fully understood, alterations in the position and tension of the eyelid, corneal stromal collagen fibrils, Descemet membrane, and extraocular muscles may influence the shape of the cornea. Furthermore, genetic factors may contribute to the development of astigmatism. Technological advances in ophthalmology are expected to improve our understanding of the etiology of astigmatism and enable the maintenance of quality of vision.

Surgical outcomes of the anterior versus posterior approach for advancement of the levator aponeurosis in Japanese patients.

PURPOSE: To compare the surgical outcomes of the anterior and posterior approaches for advancement of the levator aponeurosis for aponeurotic blepharoptosis in relation to levator function (LF). METHODS: This retrospective study included 223 eyelids from 125 patients with aponeurotic blepharoptosis. The anterior approach was used for 115 eyelids from 65 patients (anterior group), while the posterior approach was used in 108 eyelids from 60 patients (posterior group). Patients were subdivided into two groups in accordance with their LF (fair: 5-10 mm; good: > 10 mm). Functional success was defined as a margin reflex distance of 2-5 mm without serious complications at 3 months postoperatively. Cosmetic success was defined as the achievement of ≤ 1 mm laterality of the upper eyelid height, ≤ 2 mm laterality of the pretarsal show, and eyelid contour symmetry at 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The functional success rates of the anterior and posterior groups were comparable for patients with good LF (78.9% vs 87.7%, p = 0.228), whereas it was better in the posterior group (85.7%) than the anterior group (64.1%) in the total group (p = 0.022) and in patients with fair LF (p = 0.031). The posterior group achieved better cosmetic success than the anterior group regarding upper eyelid height symmetry (p = 0.042) and pretarsal show (p = 0.012). No serious complications occurred during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior approach achieved better functional and cosmetic outcomes than the anterior approach, indicating that the posterior approach is more useful in patients with aponeurotic blepharoptosis, particularly for those with only fair LF.

Analysis of corneal real astigmatism and high order aberration changes that cause visual disturbances after lower eyelid epiblepharon repair surgery.

This retrospective, cross-sectional study investigated changes in corneal low and high order aberrations (LOAs and HOAs) after lower eyelid epiblepharon repair surgery. In total, 108 eyes from 54 patients were evaluated. Wavefront analyses for calibrated LOAs and HOAs were performed using a Galilei G4 Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer before surgery and during the first and second follow-ups (f/u), adjusting for several risk factors. Flat keratometry (K) and axis values decreased significantly from baseline at the first f/u. At the second f/u, mean K and axis values decreased. Coma and trefoil increased from baseline at the first f/u and normalized by the second f/u. Spherical aberrations (SA) only decreased at the second f/u. After correction for risk factors, cylinder, coma, trefoil, and SA significantly increased at the first f/u; axis and flat K values decreased. At the second f/u, cylinder increased while axis and mean K values significantly decreased. Epiblepharon repair surgery may result in a shift from 'with-the-rule' to 'against-the-rule' axis change. Flat K, coma, and trefoil may be affected by mechanical force changes immediately post-surgery, while mean K values and SA may also change with corneal state changes including corneal erosion healing after the second f/u during the postoperative period.

Effect of topical Phenylephrine on the upper eyelid crease position.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of Phenylephrine test on the upper eyelid crease position. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study follows a prospective and analytical design and included patients with unilateral acquired involutional ptosis recruited between January 2015 and January 2018. In the Phenylephrine test, 1 drop of Phenylephrine 10% was instilled on the inferior fornix of the ptotic eye and the eyelid crease position was evaluated 10 min after. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were included in the final sample. The mean Margin-to-reflex distance 1 (MRD1) of the ptotic eye was 2.1 ± 1.0 and 3.8 ± 0.6 mm before and 10 min after the instillation of Phenylephrine, respectively. The difference between the means was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Ninety-five per cent of the eyes had a positive Phenylephrine test result. Of this, 100% showed a decrease in the height of eyelid crease after the drop. There was a statistically significant decrease in the height of eyelid crease from 10.3 ± 2.5 to 7.8 ± 2.0 mm (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Phenylephrine test not only affects the eyelid position but also the eyelid crease height. We show a significative decrease in eyelid crease height to a symmetrical level with the contralateral lid in all patients that had a positive Phenylephrine test result. This effect is probably due to a posterior lamella shortening secondary to Müller's muscle contraction and suggests that the eyelid crease is not only determined by the projections of levator aponeurosis, but also by the entire force vector of the upper eyelid retractors.