# Management of Blepharoptosis with Neodymium Magnet Systems: The Boston Blink-netic Project

> **NIH NIH R01** · MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY · 2021 · $95,790

## Abstract

Project Summary / Abstract
This project will complete the development of a promising novel magnetic eyewear device for non-surgical
treatment of ptosis (paralysis of eye opening) followed by a clinical trial in patients. There are many causes of
ptosis, but it is most severe and disabling after brainstem stroke, severe head trauma, and in Myasthenia
Gravis (a neuro-muscular disorder often causing droopy lids and double vision). An effective non-surgical and
easily adjustable treatment is essential in the early recovery period after stroke and head trauma, and in
Myasthenia Gravis where the condition varies throughout the day. Available non-surgical treatments such as
taping the eye open and a wire on the glasses to mechanically elevate the lid (ptosis crutch) are not very
effective because they open the eye but do not allow full eye closure, resulting in discomfort and drying of the
ocular surface. The novel magnetic device we are developing (the magnetic levator prosthesis) consists of 3
small magnets embedded in silicone (PDMS) attached to the lid with thin medical tape and a larger magnet
above the eye on the upper eyewire of the glasses. The static magnetic force elevates the lid and the facial
muscles of eye closure can overcome the magnetic force, re-animating the eyelid. Prior to clinical trials we aim
to improve the MLP by developing a method allowing the patient to adjust the magnetic force using a dial on
the frame, address the need for proper and consistent positioning of the frame utilizing available 3-D head
scanning and printing (custom frame for each patient), improve the adhesion properties of the lid magnets
through collaboration with a bioadhesives expert, and improve the ability of the patient to self-apply the lid
magnets through the development of an applicator tool. An effective non-surgical approach for these patients is
long overdue and the development and clinical trial aims of this proposal would lead to a device which can be
directly translated for clinical use.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10385085
- **Project number:** 3R01EY029437-04S1
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY
- **Principal Investigator:** Kevin Edward Houston
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $95,790
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2018-09-30 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10385085

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10385085, Management of Blepharoptosis with Neodymium Magnet Systems: The Boston Blink-netic Project (3R01EY029437-04S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10385085. Licensed CC0.

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