Cross-species Blink Characterisation Tool for the Analysis of Emerging Interventions for Overcoming Facial Paralysis.

The loss of the ability to blink is considered the most severe consequence of facial nerve paralysis. Surgical techniques and implantable technologies continue to be developed to reanimate the eye; however, few analyse the full movement of blink when evaluating success. Here, we describe a method of taking high-quality, and high-speed video recordings of the eye, to non-invasively extract meaningful data about the dynamic movement of blinking. This can then be used to assess the effectiveness of a new technology in mimicking the natural movement. The tool was validated on humans (N=2, authors) before testing on an ovine recording (N=1), to confirm the cross-species utility of the tool, for use during preclinical development of technologies. It was found to be accurate and comprehensive, able to give insights on blinking in both human and ovine cases.

Overcoming Facial Paralysis with an Implantable Actuator for Restoration of Blink.

The loss of the ability to blink the eyelid is considered the most severe effect of facial nerve paralysis. The delicate homeostasis of the eye is disrupted, and without frequent intervention, the cornea can become damaged, ultimately resulting in blindness. The psychosocial impact is also significant, with individuals withdrawing from society to hide what they perceive to be a disfigurement. Surgical and engineering interventions have been devised to reanimate blink, however, a solution has yet to be designed which addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns. Here we describe an implantable electromagnetic actuator to restore the capacity to blink. Triggered synchronously with the contralateral eye, and externally modifiable to tailor treatment post-operatively to the individual, this implant restores complete blinking and a natural appearance. Cadaver studies (N=12) have been used to validate the device design, including the form factor and force required to elicit a blink, while a passive in vivo study (N=1) has verified the surgical protocol and recovery.