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

> **NIH NIH R01** · MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY · 2022 · $57,769

## 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:** 10559279
- **Project number:** 3R01EY029437-05S2
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY
- **Principal Investigator:** Kevin Edward Houston
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $57,769
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2018-09-30 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10559279

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10559279, Management of Blepharoptosis with Neodymium Magnet Systems: The Boston Blink-netic Project (3R01EY029437-05S2). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-12 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10559279. Licensed CC0.

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