Locus coeruleus function regulating device

Abstract

[Problem] To increase cerebral blood flow, reduce sympathetic hyperactivity, or reduce muscle tone by relieving strong excitation of the locus coeruleus and improving the function of the prefrontal lobe.　[Solution] The present invention pertains to a locus coeruleus function regulating device 1 that is provided at least with a frame member 10 provided so as to come in proximity to at least one eye of a wearer, and that is characterized by comprising: a lower contact part 11 capable of coming into contact with at least one cheek of the wearer and pushing down the cheek; and an upper contact part 12 capable of coming into contact with a lower part of an eyebrow and pushing up the eyebrow.

Description

locus coeruleus function regulator Cross-reference 【0001】 This application claims priority under Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-217431, filed in Japan on December 12, 2024, and all contents of said application are incorporated herein by reference. 【0002】 This invention relates to a locus coeruleus function regulating device. 【0003】 In humans, the upper eyelid opens and closes by the contraction or relaxation of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, located on the inner side of the upper eyelid, which raises and lowers the tarsal plate. The levator palpebrae superioris muscle is connected to the tarsal plate via the aponeurosis and the tarsal muscle. The tarsal muscle has mechanoreceptors that produce proprioception when stretched. 【0004】 The mechanoreceptors in the tarsal muscle of the superioris muscle are stretched by the contraction of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, generating proprioception. This proprioception is transmitted via the trigeminal nerve to the locus coeruleus, the brain's command center. When the locus coeruleus receives proprioceptive signals, it secretes norepinephrine, a type of neurotransmitter, which stimulates the prefrontal cortex, increasing cerebral blood flow and promoting wakefulness, activating the sympathetic nervous system, and increasing muscle tone. Therefore, if the connection between the aponeurosis and the tarsal plate becomes detached acquiredly, it causes strong contraction of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, leading to eye strain. Furthermore, while the eyelids are open, the mechanoreceptors in the tarsal muscle remain stretched in place of the aponeurosis, resulting in continuous transmission of strong proprioception and sustained excitation of the locus coeruleus. This excitation strongly stimulates the prefrontal cortex, increasing sympathetic nervous system tension and leading to muscle tension. Therefore, strong excitation of the locus coeruleus can lead to nonspecific symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure, lower back pain, stiff shoulders, and general body stiffness. 【0005】On the other hand, in humans, the lower eyelid opens and closes by raising and lowering the tarsal plate through the contraction or relaxation of the inferior rectus muscle. The inferior rectus muscle is connected to the tarsal plate via the traction aponeurosis and the inferior tarsal muscle. The inferior tarsal muscle also has mechanoreceptors. The mechanoreceptors of the inferior tarsal muscle cause a slight contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is responsible for closing the eyelid, when stretched during eyelid opening. This contraction causes the eyelid to adhere to the eyeball and enables blinking. In healthy individuals, the traction aponeurosis and the tarsal plate are fused, but strong stretching of the lower eyelid due to contact lens insertion or eye drops can cause acquired detachment of the junction between the traction aponeurosis and the tarsal plate. This detachment strongly stretches the mechanoreceptors of the inferior tarsal muscle when the lower eyelid is opened, leading to strong contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle. Severe contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle in the eyelid can cause a condition called apraxia of eyelid opening. Patients with this condition raise their eyebrows high and strongly contract the levator palpebrae superioris muscle in an attempt to open their eyelids. This similarly causes strong stretching of the mechanoreceptors in the tarsal muscle of the superioris, leading to strong excitation of the locus coeruleus. 【0006】 Moderate excitation of the locus coeruleus stimulates the prefrontal cortex, resulting in arousal and increased cerebral blood flow. On the other hand, if the mechanoreceptors of the superior tarsal muscle are constantly strongly stretched and the locus coeruleus is strongly excited, this can strongly stimulate the prefrontal cortex and potentially damage the brain itself. However, in reality, alpha ２ Negative feedback by autoreceptors (hereinafter referred to as α) ２ This is described as suppression.) The excessive secretion of norepinephrine is suppressed by this α. ２ Even when the locus coeruleus remains highly excited due to inhibition, stimulation of the prefrontal cortex decreases, and cerebral blood flow actually decreases. This reduction in prefrontal cortex stimulation and cerebral blood flow can cause developmental disorders, depression, and dementia. On the other hand, because the locus coeruleus remains highly excited, sympathetic nervous system tension and muscle tension throughout the body are not suppressed. From these points, it is important to alleviate the highly excited locus coeruleus. 【0007】The relationship between the eyelids and the locus coeruleus has been known for some time, and various approaches have been used for treatment. For example, attempts have been made to treat or alleviate various diseases by applying mechanical stimulation to the upper eyelid to treat abnormal excitation of the locus coeruleus (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, surgical methods have been established to suppress the strong excitation of the locus coeruleus caused by detachment of the aponeurosis and traction aponeurosis of the upper and lower eyelids. However, there is also a need for easier methods other than surgery as an option. 【0008】 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-74465 【0009】 The inventors have found that by lowering the cheek with the fingers and easing the stretching of the mechanoreceptors in the palpebrae inferioris muscle, the contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle in the eyelid region, which wraps around the eyelid and attempts to close the eyelid, is relaxed, and the contraction of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle is weakened, thereby suppressing the strong excitation of the locus coeruleus. Furthermore, they have found that by raising the drooping eyebrows with the fingers and improving the load on the upper eyelid, allowing the upper eyelid to be opened without strain, the strong excitation of the locus coeruleus can be suppressed. In this way, the inventors have found that by mitigating the strong excitation of the locus coeruleus, α ２ We found that it improves suppressed blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, thereby improving sympathetic nervous system tension and muscle tone. 【0010】 In view of the above findings, the present invention aims to alleviate the strong excitation of the locus coeruleus, improve the function of the prefrontal cortex to increase cerebral blood flow, reduce sympathetic nerve tension, or reduce muscle tension. 【0011】(1) A device for adjusting the function of the blue coeruleus according to one embodiment for achieving the above objective comprises at least a frame member provided so as to be close to at least one eye of the wearer, wherein the frame member has a lower contact portion that can contact at least one cheek of the wearer and push down the cheek. (2) In a device for adjusting the function of the blue coeruleus according to another embodiment, preferably a fixing member for fixing the frame member to the wearer is further provided. (3) In a device for adjusting the function of the blue coeruleus according to another embodiment, preferably the lower contact portion is a portion that protrudes from the back surface of the frame member toward the cheek of the wearer. (4) In a device for adjusting the function of the blue coeruleus according to another embodiment, preferably the lower contact portion may have a rubber member at least in the portion that contacts the wearer. (5) In a device for adjusting the function of the blue coeruleus according to another embodiment, preferably the frame member further comprises an upper contact portion that can contact at least one eyebrow of the wearer and push up the eyebrow when fixed by the fixing member. (6) In a different embodiment of the locus coeruleus function regulating device, preferably the upper contact portion may be a portion that protrudes from the back surface of the frame member toward the wearer's eyebrows. (7) In a different embodiment of the locus coeruleus function regulating device, preferably the upper contact portion may be provided with a rubber member at least in the portion that contacts the wearer. (8) In a different embodiment of the locus coeruleus function regulating device, preferably the device may be in a non-contact state around the wearer's nasal root when the device is attached to the wearer. (9) In a different embodiment of the locus coeruleus function regulating device, preferably the fixing member may be a long member that extends from the wearer's temple to the ear, and the device may be fixed by hanging it over the wearer's ear. (10) In a different embodiment of the locus coeruleus function regulating device, preferably the device may be provided with a vibrating member that at least a part of it contacts the wearer's face and can transmit vibrations to the wearer when attached. (11) In a different embodiment of the locus coeruleus function regulating device, preferably the vibrating member may be built into the lower contact portion. (12) In a locus couleus function regulating device according to another embodiment, preferably the frame members may have at least one gap between them.(13) In a different embodiment of the locus coeruleus function regulating device, preferably the cut is located in the region between the upper contact portions, and the region of the frame member between the lower contact portions may be curved so as to be able to surround the wearer's nasal bone when worn. (14) In a different embodiment of the locus coeruleus function regulating device, preferably the lower contact portion may be a member that deforms so as to be able to push down the wearer's cheek when the fixing member is pulled in the opposite direction to the frame member and fixed to the wearer's ear. (15) In a different embodiment of the locus coeruleus function regulating device, preferably the upper contact portion may be a member that deforms so as to be able to push up the wearer's eyebrow when the fixing member is pulled in the opposite direction to the frame member and fixed to the wearer's ear. (16) In a different embodiment of the locus coeruleus function regulating device, preferably the frame member may be a member that expands in both directions toward the wearer's cheek and eyebrow compared to before fixing to the ear when the fixing member is pulled in the opposite direction to the frame member and fixed to the wearer's ear. 【0012】 According to the present invention, it is possible to alleviate the strong excitation of the locus coeruleus, improve the function of the prefrontal cortex and increase cerebral blood flow, reduce sympathetic nerve tension, or reduce muscle tension. 【0013】Figure 1 shows a photograph of the lower and upper contact parts of the locus coeruleus function regulator assisting the wearer in opening their eyelids, using a finger instead of the device. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an example of the locus coeruleus function regulator according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the locus coeruleus function regulator of Figure 2 from a different angle. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an example of the locus coeruleus function regulator according to the second embodiment. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the locus coeruleus function regulator of Figure 4 from a different angle. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an example of the locus coeruleus function regulator according to the first modification. Figure 7 shows schematic diagrams of an example of the locus coeruleus function regulator according to the third modification, in front view and side view, before (7A) and after (7B) wearing, respectively. Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the locus coeruleus function regulator according to the fourth modification, in front view and a schematic diagram showing a cross-section in side view, in the state before (8A) and after (8B) wearing, respectively. Figure 9 shows schematic front views of an example of a locus coeruleus function regulating device according to the fifth modification, specifically the frame member only (9A), the frame member after being attached to the fixing member (9B), and a schematic plan view of the face of a wearer wearing the device according to 9B (9C). Figure 10 shows schematic front views of an example of a locus coeruleus function regulating device according to the fifth modification, specifically the annular frame member only (10A), the frame member after being attached to the fixing member (10B), and a schematic plan view of the face of a wearer wearing the device according to 10B (10C). Figure 11 shows an example of a locus coeruleus function regulating device according to the sixth modification, where Figure 11A is a front view of the locus coeruleus function regulating device and Figure 11B shows the fixing part of the locus coeruleus function regulating device. Figure 12 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between cheek lowering and eyebrow raising and the force pulling in the occipital (ear) direction along the Y axis. Figure 13 shows a graph plotting the changes in hemoglobin concentration in the left and right orbital-frontal corticos of the first subject when the cheeks were lowered (13A) and in the left and right orbital-frontal corticos of the second subject when the eyebrows were raised (13B), as measured by near-infrared spectroscopy. Figure 14 shows photographs of a patient with spinocerebellar degeneration before (14A) and after (14B) the attachment of the locus coeruleus function regulator according to the second embodiment.Figure 15 shows the change in the degree of muscle contraction of the upper trapezius muscle before (15A) and after (15B) tape application in patients with stiff shoulders, and the change in the degree of standing forward flexion before (15C) and after (15D) tape application in patients with lower back pain and stiff backs. Figure 16 shows the change in the range of motion around the shoulder joint before (16A) and after (16B) tape application in a patient with right frozen shoulder. Figure 17 shows the change in temperature of the temporalis muscle and fingers before (17A) (17B) and after (17C) (17D) tape application in a patient complaining of cold hands and feet and migraines in the temples (temporalis muscle), as shown by thermography. 【0014】 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 100, 200... Locus coeruleus function regulator, 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e... Frame member, 11, 11a, 11b, 11c... Lower contact part, 12, 12a, 12b, 12c... Upper contact part, 13, 13a, 13b, 13c... Joint part, 15... Bridge part, 16... Cut, 20, 20a, 20b, 20c... Fixing member, 30... Vibrating member. 【0015】 Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are not intended to limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all of the elements and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. 【0016】 (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows a photograph of the lower and upper contact parts of the locus coeruleus function regulator assisting the wearer in opening their eyelids, using fingers instead of the device. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an example of the locus coeruleus function regulator according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the locus coeruleus function regulator of Figure 2 from a different angle. Note that Figure 1 shows the assistance in opening both the upper and lower eyelids. 【0017】The locus coeruleus function regulating device 1 according to this embodiment is a device comprising at least a frame member 10 provided so as to be close to at least one eye of the wearer, and preferably further comprising a fixing member 20 for fixing the frame member 10 to the wearer. When the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1 comprises a fixing member 20, the frame member 10 and the fixing member 20 are coupled. The frame member 10 comprises a lower contact portion 11 that can contact at least one cheek of the wearer and push down the cheek. In this specification and in the claims, "down" is not limited to the direction directly downward. It is interpreted broadly as being in a direction downward from the horizontal axis with the lower contact portion 11 as the axis, regardless of the angle, and may be, for example, diagonally downward. 【0018】 In this application, "improvement of cerebral blood flow" refers to improving a decrease in cerebral blood flow, bringing it closer to a healthy state, or restoring it to a healthy state. The presence and degree of such improvement can be evaluated by confirming an increase in cerebral blood flow using various methods employed in cerebral blood flow evaluation tests at medical institutions, etc. For example, it can be evaluated by measuring and calculating the total hemoglobin concentration in the blood in the prefrontal cortex, such as the orbitofrontal cortex, using near-infrared spectroscopy. The orbitofrontal cortex is the part of the prefrontal cortex of the brain located directly above the orbit. 【0019】 In this application, "cheek area" refers to the cheek area below the wearer's lower eyelid. When the wearer puts on the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1, the lower contact portion 11, described later, directly contacts and pushes down the wearer's cheek area (see the white arrow in Figure 1), and as a result, the lower eyelid opens lower than before wearing the device when viewed from the front. This pushing down assists in opening the lower eyelid, and even if the connection between the aponeurosis and the tarsal plate is detached, it becomes possible to open the eyelid without excessively stretching the inferior tarsal muscle. This relaxes the contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle and, consequently, prevents strong excitation of the locus coeruleus. By mitigating strong excitation of the locus coeruleus, α ２ This device can suppress the reduction in cerebral blood flow caused by inhibition and improve cerebral blood flow. While no prior preparation is necessarily required for attachment, it is preferable to attach the device while pressing down on the cheek with a finger or similar object prior to contact with the lower contact portion 11. 【0020】Furthermore, the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1 preferably includes an upper contact portion 12 on the frame member 10 that can contact at least one eyebrow of the wearer and push up the eyebrow. In this specification and in the claims, "lifting" is not limited to the direction directly upward. It is interpreted broadly and can be any direction above the horizontal axis with respect to the upper contact portion 12 as the axis, regardless of the angle, and may be, for example, diagonally upward. 【0021】 In this application, "brow area" refers to the area above the wearer's upper eyelid and below the eyebrow, in contact with the frontal bone. When the wearer wears the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1, the upper contact portion 12, described later, directly contacts and pushes up the wearer's brow area (see the black arrow in Figure 1), allowing the wearer to maintain a clear field of vision without opening the upper eyelid much upward in a forward-looking view compared to before wearing the device. This upward push assists in opening the upper eyelid, making it possible to open the eyelid without excessively contracting the superior tarsal muscle even when the connection between the aponeurosis and the tarsal plate is detached, thereby alleviating strong excitation of the locus coeruleus. This alleviation allows α ２ This device can suppress excessive reduction in cerebral blood flow caused by inhibition and improve cerebral blood flow. While no prior preparation is necessarily required for attachment, it is preferable to attach the device while pushing up the eyebrows with a finger or similar object prior to contact with the upper contact portion 12. 【0022】Preferably, when the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1 is worn by the wearer, it remains in a non-contact state around the bridge of the wearer's nose. To maintain this non-contact state, it is preferable that the frame member 10, specifically the portion located around the bridge of the nose when worn and / or the bridge portion 15 (described later), does not have any portion that comes into contact with the wearer's face. For example, if the device 1 is shaped like eyeglasses, by not providing a member corresponding to the nose pads (nose rests) of typical eyeglasses, the device 1 can be kept in a non-contact state around the bridge of the nose. Furthermore, preferably, the frame member 10 of the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1 is configured to have a gap over a portion or the entire area between the frame member 10 and the wearer's face, except for the lower contact portion 11 and the upper contact portion 12, when worn by the wearer. If the frame member 10 has only the lower contact portion 11 and no upper contact portion 12, the frame member 10 is preferably configured to have a gap over a portion or the entire area between the frame member 10 and the wearer's face, except for the lower contact portion 11. By ensuring that the device 1 does not come into contact with the area around the bridge of the nose or other parts of the face, the load applied to the wearer's face by the device 1 can be concentrated on the lower contact portion 11 (or, if an upper contact portion 12 is provided, both the lower contact portion 11 and the upper contact portion 12), as described later. This allows for more reliable downward pressure on the cheeks (or downward pressure on the cheeks and upward pressure on the eyebrows if an upper contact portion 12 is provided). This is also true for other embodiments. 【0023】 The locus coeruleus function regulator 1 preferably has a total weight of 1 to 100 g. By having a total weight of the device 1 that is above the lower limit of the above preferred numerical range, the load applied to the wearer's face through the lower contact portion 11 (and the upper contact portion 12 if an upper contact portion 12 is provided) can be kept within an appropriate range. Furthermore, by having a total weight of the device 1 that is below the upper limit of the above preferred numerical range, the wearer will not be burdened even when wearing it for a long period of time. 【0024】When the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1 has two frame members 10, it preferably has a spectacle-like shape. This shape allows for easy attachment and detachment by the wearer or an assistant. In this embodiment, the device 1 has a spectacle-like shape. 【0025】 If the locus coeruleus function modifier 1 is in the shape of eyeglasses, it can also serve as ordinary eyeglasses or sunglasses by attaching lenses to the frame member 10 described later. The presence or absence of lenses, their power, and their color are not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed according to the wearer's visual acuity, manufacturing costs, and intended use. In this embodiment, however, the locus coeruleus function modifier 1 does not have lenses. 【0026】 The structure of the locus coeruleus function regulator 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below. 【0027】 (1) Frame Member The frame member 10 is provided so as to be close to at least one eye of the wearer wearing the locus coeruleus function regulator 1, preferably so as to be close to both eyes of the wearer. When the frame member 10 is provided so as to be close to both eyes of the wearer, in this embodiment the two frame members 10 are connected via a bridge portion 15. The frame member 10 and the bridge portion 15 may be molded together, or the frame member 10 and the bridge portion 15 may be molded separately and then bonded or fitted together. In this embodiment the frame member 10 is provided so as to be close to both eyes of the wearer, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, and is molded together with the bridge portion 15. The frame member 10 and the bridge portion 15 preferably do not come into contact with the area around the bridge of the wearer's nose. In this embodiment the bridge portion 15 does not have any part that comes into contact with the wearer's face. 【0028】The frame member 10 is connected to the fixing member 20, which will be described later, via a connecting portion 13. The method of connection at the connecting portion 13 is not particularly limited, and any known method can be used as long as it does not interfere with fixing to the wearer's head. For example, the frame member 10 and the fixing member 20 can be screwed together like the rim and temple of a typical pair of eyeglasses, or a band-shaped or similar fixing member 20 can be attached to the frame member 10. In this embodiment, the frame member 10 and the fixing member 20 are connected at the connecting portion 13 by screwing them together. 【0029】 Furthermore, the frame member 10 is provided with a lower contact portion 11, described later, in the area located around the wearer's lower eyelid, and preferably with an upper contact portion 12, described later, in the area located around the wearer's upper eyelid. In this embodiment, both the lower contact portion 11 and the upper contact portion 12 are provided. By providing both the lower contact portion 11 and the upper contact portion 12, excessive stretching of the upper and lower tarsal muscles due to opening of the upper and lower eyelids can be prevented, and strong excitation of the locus coeruleus can be further alleviated. 【0030】 The shape of the frame member 10 according to this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it can achieve the effects of the invention, and may be approximately circular, approximately elliptical, approximately rectangular, or approximately trapezoidal. Furthermore, if the upper contact portion 12 described later is not provided, the frame member 10 does not necessarily have to be frame-shaped, and may be at least shaped to accommodate the lower contact portion 11. For example, of the frame member 10 from the joint portion 13 to the bridge portion 15, the side that does not pass through the portion where the lower contact portion 11 is provided (i.e., the side located around the eyebrows when worn) may be open, and if lenses are to be attached, resin threads for fixing the lenses may be provided in the open portion. Specifically, it may be a frame shape like so-called under-rim glasses. 【0031】The material of the frame member 10 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, resin, rubber, metal, or a combination thereof. The size of the frame member 10 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately adjusted to the size of the wearer's head, etc., as long as at least the lower contact portion 11 can press down on the wearer's cheek. The frame member 10 may be made of a flexible material. This allows the lower contact portion 11, etc., described later, to elastically deform smoothly when it comes into contact with the wearer's face, enabling cheek lowering, etc. 【0032】 (2) Lower Contact Part The lower contact part 11 is a member that can contact at least one cheek of the wearer and push down the cheek when the device is fixed by the fixing member 20 described later. The lower contact part 11 contacts the cheek and pushes down due to the weight of the device 1. By pushing down the wearer's cheek, the lower contact part 11 assists in opening the lower eyelid and prevents excessive stretching of the tarsal muscle. As a result, the blood flow to the brain can be kept normal by not strongly exciting the locus coeruleus. The lower contact part 11 is preferably made of a flexible material, and may be elastically deformable when worn along the contact point on the wearer's face, or it may be bendable or curved. In addition, in Figures 2 and 3, the lower contact part 11 is provided so as to be substantially horizontal to the axis in the thickness direction of the frame member 10, but it is not limited to this and may be provided so as to be inclined from the axis. 【0033】 The lower contact portion 11 is directly provided on the frame member 10. The method of providing the lower contact portion 11 on the frame member 10 is not particularly limited; it may be molded integrally with the frame member 10 beforehand, or it may be provided later on a frame member 10 that does not have the lower contact portion 11 by bonding, screwing, clipping, fitting, etc. 【0034】The lower contact portion 11 is preferably a portion that protrudes from the back surface of the frame member 10 (the surface facing the wearer's face when worn) toward the wearer's cheek, and more preferably a portion of the frame member 10 in the width direction that protrudes toward the wearer's cheek from the back surface of the frame member 10. In this embodiment, the shape of the protruding lower contact portion 11 is substantially semi-elliptical, but is not limited to this, and may be substantially semi-circular or substantially rectangular. By providing the protruding lower contact portion 11, it is possible to prevent the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1 from contacting the area around the wearer's nasal root, and the weight of the device 1 can be concentrated on the cheek. As a result, the cheek can be pressed down more reliably, and the opening of the lower eyelid can be efficiently assisted. When the lower contact portion 11 is a protruding projection-like member as described above, the thickness of the protruding portion is not particularly limited and can be adjusted as appropriate as long as it does not hinder attachment to the head and pressing down on the cheek. 【0035】 In Figures 2 and 3, the lower contact portion 11 is formed only in the width direction of the frame member 10 so as to contact the cheek, but it is not limited to this and may be formed to extend to a point close to the inner corner of the wearer's eye. More specifically, the lower contact portion 11 is preferably provided so that at least the end on the side closer to the wearer's nose is close to the inner corner of the eye. When an upper contact portion 12, which will be described later, is provided, the end of the lower contact portion 11 on the side closer to the wearer's nose is preferably provided so as to be closer to the inner corner of the wearer's eye than the end of the upper contact portion 12 on the side closer to the wearer's nose (see Figure 8). 【0036】The lower contact portion 11 preferably includes a rubber member at least at a portion that contacts the wearer. In the present embodiment, the lower contact portion 11 is entirely composed of a solid rubber member, but is not limited thereto. For example, the lower contact portion 11 may be constituted by an arch-shaped rubber member with a hollow inside of the protrusion. Similarly, the lower contact portion 11 may be constituted by an arch-shaped resin member, and a part or all of the resin member may be covered with a rubber cover. By providing a rubber member at least at a portion of the lower contact portion 11 that contacts the wearer, friction can be generated during wearing, and the lower contact portion 11 can be closely attached to the cheek portion without slipping. When the lower contact portion 11 is a solid rubber member, it is preferable in terms of easy production and cost reduction. Further, when the lower contact portion 11 is an arch-shaped rubber member, it is preferable in terms of increasing the elasticity of the lower contact portion 11 and making it easier to closely attach to the cheek portion. The rubber used for the rubber member of the lower contact portion 11 is not particularly limited, and various known rubbers can be used. However, from the viewpoint of safety for the human body, silicone rubber is preferably used. 【0037】 The lateral width of the lower contact portion 11 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 50 mm in a front view during wearing. By the lateral width of the lower contact portion 11 being equal to or greater than the lower limit value of the above numerical range, eyelid opening can be appropriately assisted. Further, by the lateral width of the lower contact portion 11 being equal to or less than the upper limit value of the above numerical range, pressure can be appropriately dispersed when pressing down the cheek portion. 【0038】 (3) Upper contact portion The upper contact portion 12 is a member that can contact at least one eyebrow portion of the wearer and push up the eyebrow portion when being fixed by a fixing member 20 described later. However, the upper contact portion 12 is not an essential component for the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1, but is a component positioned as an option. By the upper contact portion 12 pushing up the eyebrow portion of the wearer, eyelid opening of the upper eyelid is assisted and excessive stretching of the superior tarsal muscle is prevented. As a result, the blood flow in the brain can be kept normal by not strongly exciting the locus coeruleus. 【0039】 The upper contact portion 12 is directly provided on the frame member 10 in the same manner as the lower contact portion 11 described above. The preferred embodiment is the same as that of the lower contact portion 11. 【0040】The upper contact portion 12 is preferably a portion that protrudes from the back surface of the frame member 10 toward the wearer's eyebrow portion. By additionally providing the protruding upper contact portion 12, it is possible to further prevent the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1 from contacting the periphery of the wearer's root of the nose, and by applying the weight of the device 1 to the eyebrow portion to push it upward, it is also possible to efficiently assist in opening the upper eyelid. When the upper contact portion 12 is a protruding projection-like member as described above, the thickness of the protruding portion is not particularly limited and can be appropriately adjusted as long as it does not prevent attachment to the head and pushing up of the eyebrow portion. 【0041】 The upper contact portion 12 preferably includes a rubber member at least at the portion that contacts the wearer. The preferred embodiment is the same as that of the lower contact portion 11. 【0042】 The lateral width of the upper contact portion 12 is not particularly limited, but in a front view during wearing, it is preferably 5 to 50 mm. By the lateral width of the upper contact portion 12 being equal to or greater than the lower limit value of the above numerical range, it is possible to appropriately assist in opening the eyelid. Also, by the lateral width of the upper contact portion 12 being equal to or less than the upper limit value of the above numerical range, it is possible to appropriately disperse the pressure when pushing up the eyebrow portion. 【0043】(4) Fixing Member The fixing member 20 is preferably a member for fixing the frame member 10 to the wearer and is coupled to the frame member 10. The fixing member 20 has any configuration and is the same in other embodiments. The method of coupling with the frame member 10 is not particularly limited and any known method can be used as long as it does not interfere with fixing to the wearer's head. For example, the method of screwing the frame member 10 and the fixing member 20 together at the coupling portion 13, the method of attaching the fixing member 20 to the coupling portion 13 on the frame member 10, or the method of integrally molding the fixing member 20 with the frame member 10 via the coupling portion 13. In this embodiment, similar to the temples of general eyeglasses, the fixing member 20 is screwed and coupled to the frame member 10 at the coupling portion 13. The fixing member 20 may be foldable relative to the frame member 10 via the coupling portion 13. Preferably, unlike the frame of ordinary eyeglasses, the fixing member 20 is shorter than the length that can be held by the wearer's ear, and has a length that allows the upper contact portion 12 and the lower contact portion 11 (or only the lower contact portion 11 if the upper contact portion 12 is not provided) to press against the wearer's face when the fixing member 20 is forcibly held to the ear. 【0044】 In this embodiment, the fixing member 20 is a member that fixes the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1 by hooking it over the wearer's ear. The fixing by the fixing member 20 is such that it can be attached and detached at the discretion of the wearer and / or an assistant. By being able to freely attach and detach the device 1, cerebral blood flow can be improved more easily. The fixing member 20 in this embodiment is a long member that extends from the wearer's temple to the ear, and can fix the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1 by hooking it over the wearer's ear. The size and length of the fixing member 20 are not particularly limited as long as the device 1 can be fixed to and attached and detached from the wearer's head, and can be adjusted as appropriate. The material of the fixing member 20 is not limited as long as it can fix the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1 to the wearer. For example, the fixing member 20 may be made of a flexible or stretchable material. 【0045】The fixing member 20 may be any known member, as long as it can fix the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1 to the wearer's head. For example, it may be a long member made of metal or resin that extends from the wearer's temple to the ear, such as the temple of eyeglasses. In this embodiment, a typical eyeglass temple is used as the fixing member 20. 【0046】 The locus coeruleus function regulating device 1 according to this embodiment can further reduce eyelid pressure by lowering the cheeks and raising the eyebrows. This reduction in eyelid pressure can improve eye strain in the wearer and also lower intraocular pressure. 【0047】 (Second Embodiment) Next, a locus coeruleus function regulator 1a according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an example of a locus coeruleus function regulator according to the second embodiment. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the locus coeruleus function regulator of Figure 4 from a different angle. Note that the same reference numerals are used for overlapping parts and their descriptions are omitted. 【0048】 In this embodiment, the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1a is preferably secured by tightening the wearer's head with a fixing member 20a, rather than by hanging a long member over the wearer's ears. The differences from the first embodiment will be explained below in Figures 4 and 5. 【0049】 (1) Frame member In this embodiment, the frame member 10a has a fixing member 20a attached to the connecting portion 13a. Also, the lower contact portion 11a and the upper contact portion 12a do not protrude, and the portions that come into contact with the wearer's cheek and eyebrow during attachment are simply the lower contact portion 11a and the upper contact portion 12a. 【0050】The form of the frame member 10a in this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as the fixing member 20a can be attached to the joint portion 13a and the effects of the present invention can be obtained. For example, the frame member 10a may be molded into any shape such as a substantially elliptical, substantially circular, substantially rectangular, or substantially trapezoidal shape using various known moldable materials such as metal, resin, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the frame member 10a may be the frame member 10 from which the fixing member 20 has been removed from the locus coeruleus function adjustment device 1 according to the first embodiment, or the temples may be removed from a general pair of eyeglasses and the remaining rim may be used as the frame member 10a. In this embodiment, the frame member 10a is shown to be bifurcated from the bridge portion 15 in Figures 4 and 5, but is not limited to this. Specifically, similar to a general eyeglass frame, the frame member 10a may be welded to the bridge portion 15 to form a single unit. The size of the frame member 10a is not particularly limited and can be appropriately adjusted to the size of the wearer's head, etc., as long as at least the lower contact portion 11a can press down on the wearer's cheek. 【0051】 (2) Lower Contact Part In this embodiment, the lower contact part 11a is not a protruding member that extends from the back surface of the frame member 10a toward the wearer's cheek, but rather a part of the frame member 10a. That is, a part of the frame member 10a contacts the face as the lower contact part 11a. Note that this embodiment is not limited to cases where the frame member 10a itself directly contacts the face, and a cushioning member such as a thin cover or cushion may be provided on at least a part of the frame member 10a. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of providing friction and cushioning, the lower contact part 11a preferably has a rubber member at least in the part that contacts the wearer. In this embodiment, the lower contact part 11a has a cylindrical rubber cover in the part that contacts the wearer's cheek. When the lower contact part 11a is in the above configuration, the bridge part 15 preferably protrudes from the surface of the frame member 10a toward the opposite side of the direction of attachment to the wearer, and does not contact the area around the wearer's nasal root. Note that the configuration of the lower contact part 11a is not limited to the above, and may be a protruding member that extends toward the wearer's cheek, similar to the first embodiment. 【0052】 (3) Upper contact portion In this embodiment, the upper contact portion 12a is not a protruding member that extends from the back surface of the frame member 10a toward the wearer's eyebrows, similar to the lower contact portion 11a, but is a part of the frame member 10a. That is, a part of the frame member 10a contacts the face as the upper contact portion 12a. The preferred configuration is the same as that of the lower contact portion 11a described above. However, the upper contact portion 12a is not an essential component of the locus coeruleus function regulator 1a, but is positioned as an optional component. 【0053】 (4) Fixing Member In this embodiment, the fixing member 20a is a member that fixes the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1a by tightening it around the wearer's head. The fixing member 20a is directly tied to the frame member 10a at the connecting portion 13a. The material and size of the fixing member 20a are not particularly limited as long as the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1a can be fixed to and detached from the wearer's head. The material may be, for example, rubber, fiber, or resin, but rubber is preferred from the viewpoint of providing elasticity. In addition, although the fixing member 20a is depicted as a string-like member in this embodiment, it is not limited to this as long as it can be fixed to and detached from the wearer's head, and may be a substantially flat band, for example, like those used in swimming goggles. 【0054】 Even if the frame member 10a of the locus coeruleus function modulator 1a is positioned close to only one of the wearer's eyes, i.e., if only one frame member 10a is provided, the fixing member 20a can easily fix the device 1a to the wearer's head. This allows the locus coeruleus function modulator 1a to selectively treat only one of the eyes according to the wearer's condition. In this case, the locus coeruleus function modulator 1a is, for example, a goggle-like device. If the locus coeruleus function modulator 1a is an eye patch-like device, the fixing member 20a is not limited to the shape shown in Figures 4 and 5, and may be a pair of members extending in an arch shape from both ends of the frame member 10a. Specifically, the fixing member 20a may be a pair of arch-shaped members made of rubber, fiber, or resin that tighten and secure behind the wearer's ears, such as the elastic band of a typical household mask. 【0055】 The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified in various ways. 【0056】 (First Modification) Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an example of a locus coeruleus function regulating device according to the first modification. For example, the frame members do not all need to be connected as a single unit, and preferably, the frame members have at least one gap between them. By having a gap in the frame members, it is possible to prevent the upper contact portion from moving down in conjunction with the downward pressure on the cheek by the lower contact portion when the device is attached to the wearer's face. This does not hinder the upward pressure on the eyebrow by the upper contact portion. Furthermore, more preferably, as shown in Figure 6, the frame member 10b has a gap 16 between the upper contact portions 12a, and the portion of the frame member 10b between the lower contact portions 11a is curved so as to be able to surround the wearer's nasal bone. By forming the frame member 10b in this way, the weight of the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1b is supported not only by the cheek but also by the nasal bone, thus reducing the burden on the eyeball when the cheek is pushed down by the lower contact portion 11a. 【0057】 Furthermore, the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1b may also include a vibrating member 30 on the frame member 10b and / or the fixing member 20. The vibrating member 30 is a member that, at least a portion of it, is in contact with the wearer's face and is capable of transmitting its own vibrations to the wearer. By vibrating while in close contact with the wearer's face, the vibrating member 30 suppresses nerve transmission of the trigeminal nerve and interferes with the transmission of proprioception from the superior tarsal muscle mechanoreceptors to the locus coeruleus. This can further alleviate excessive excitation of the locus coeruleus. The vibrating member 30 may be provided in a manner that allows it to be attached to or detached from the frame member 10b and / or the fixing member 20, or it may be provided integrated with the frame member 10b and / or the fixing member 20. 【0058】The shape of the vibrating member 30 is not particularly limited as long as it does not interfere with eyebrow raising and cheek lowering by the upper and lower contact parts. Furthermore, the position where the vibrating member 30 is provided is not particularly limited as long as it does not interfere with eyebrow raising and cheek lowering by the upper and lower contact parts and can be in close contact with at least a part of the wearer's face where the trigeminal nerve is located nearby, preferably near the trigeminal ganglion, the first branch of the trigeminal nerve, and / or the second branch. When the vibrating member 30 is provided on the fixing member 20, it is preferably provided so as to be in close contact with the wearer's temple or temporal region. This makes it possible to block proprioception transmitted through the trigeminal ganglion and / or the first branch of the trigeminal nerve extending toward the trigeminal ganglion by vibration. However, the position of the vibrating member 30 provided on the fixing member 20 is not limited to this, and for example, it may be the part of the fixing member 20 that goes over the ear (the temple part in ordinary eyeglasses). Furthermore, when it is provided on the frame member 10b, it is preferably provided so as to be in close contact with the wearer's cheek, and more preferably it may be built inside the lower contact part. This prevents the transmission of proprioception generated by the stretching of the mechanoreceptors in the inferior tarsal muscle from the second branch of the trigeminal nerve to the trigeminal ganglion. In Figure 6, a roughly rectangular vibrating member 30 is provided on both fixing members 20, but this is not limited to this. For example, the vibrating member 30 may be provided on either one of the fixing members 20, or a vibrating body described later may be built into the upper and lower contact portion. Also, the shape of the vibrating member 30 does not have to be roughly rectangular. 【0059】 The vibrating member 30 may contain a vibrating body, or it may be the vibrating body itself. In this modified example, the vibrating member 30 is configured in a case shape and contains a vibrating body. The vibrating body may be made of resin or metal. When a vibrating body is contained within the upper and lower contact portion, each vibrating body provided in the upper and lower and left and right directions may be able to vibrate simultaneously, or only one of them may be able to vibrate selectively. 【0060】The vibrating body may be composed of, for example, a known voice coil, an eccentric motor, or a piezoelectric diaphragm. The power supply for the vibrating body may be included within the vibrating member, for example, as a dry cell battery or other battery. Alternatively, a power supply may be provided outside the locus coelosum function regulator, and power may be supplied to the vibrating body by connecting the power supply and the vibrating member with a wire. Furthermore, a switch for turning the vibration generation by the vibrating body on and off may be provided on the vibrating member, for example. If the power supply is provided outside the locus coelosum function regulator, the switch may be provided in the case for housing the power supply. 【0061】 The frequency of vibrations generated by the vibrating body can be appropriately determined, for example, between 3 and 1000 Hz. The frequency of vibrations generated by the vibrating body does not need to always be the same; for example, it can be varied by an appropriate known method. The frequency of vibrations generated by the vibrating body is preferably between 150 and 250 Hz, and more preferably around 200 Hz. 【0062】 The amplitude of the vibration generated by the vibrating body can be appropriately determined, for example, between 0.1 and 5 mm. The amplitude of the vibration generated by the vibrating body does not need to always be the same; for example, it can be made variable by an appropriate known method. In general, the amplitude of the vibration generated by the vibrating body needs to be determined according to the frequency of the vibration generated by the vibrating body, and if the amplitude of the vibration is variable, it may be modified in accordance with the change in the frequency of the vibration generated by the vibrating body. 【0063】(Second Modification) In the second modification, the locus coeruleus function adjustment device (not shown) may have a substantially ring-shaped or similar connection between the bridge portion and the frame member. In this case, the frame member can slide vertically through the connection. By making the frame member this shape, the lower and upper contact portions can be adjusted to fit various wearers. In addition, if the frame member is in this configuration, a stopper may be provided on a part of the frame member. Preferably, the stopper is wider than the frame member and cannot pass through the connection. This prevents the frame member from falling off the connection. In addition, in this modification, the frame member may be detachably connected to a fixing member using screws or the like (a configuration equivalent to the temples in general eyeglasses), and preferably, there may be multiple such connection points. This makes it possible to move the fixing member in any direction of the frame member according to the size of the wearer's face, making it easier to bring the upper and lower contact portions closer to the target area. 【0064】 (Third Modification) Figure 7 shows schematic diagrams of an example of a locus coeruleus function regulating device according to the third modification, in front view and side view, before (7A) and after (7B) attachment, respectively. In the third modification, the lower contact portion of the locus coeruleus function regulating device may be a member that deforms to be able to push down the wearer's cheek when the fixing member is pulled in the opposite direction to the frame member and fixed to the wearer's ear. The upper contact portion of the device may also be a member that deforms to be able to push up the wearer's eyebrow when the fixing member is pulled in the opposite direction to the frame member and fixed to the wearer's ear. As a result, the wearer or assistant can actively lower the cheek and raise the eyebrow using the locus coeruleus function regulating device by pulling the fixing member towards the back of the head. 【0065】The fixing member in the third modification and the fourth modification described later preferably has elasticity in at least a portion of it in order to allow it to be pulled when fixed to the wearer's ear. For example, this may be around the connection point with the frame member, around the part that is fixed to the ear, or an intermediate part between them. Alternatively, the connection point of the frame member, rather than the fixing member, may have elasticity. The elastic portion may be various elastic materials such as rubber or elastomer, a spring, or an arch-shaped or dome-shaped member that protrudes in the direction away from the wearer's face and is elastically deformable. 【0066】 The fixing member in the third modification and the fourth modification described later is preferably a member that can be fixed along the base of the wearer's auricle. With the fixing member in this form, the locus coeruleus function regulating device can be securely fixed when worn and does not shift on the wearer's face, thus preventing the device from compressing the eyeball. 【0067】 When the lower and upper contact portions are moved by pulling the fixing member, as shown in Figure 7, the lower contact portion 11b and the upper contact portion 12b may be formed such that, for example, one end is fixed to the frame member 10c and the other end is in close contact with the wearer's face. Preferably, the lower contact portion 11b and the upper contact portion 12b extend in a substantially V shape in cross-sectional view from the frame member 10c toward the wearer's face, and when the fixing member is pulled toward the back of the head (in the direction of the white arrow in 7B), they elastically deform so that they spread downward and upward, respectively, in a front view of the locus coeruleus function regulator 1c. Due to this elastic deformation, force is transmitted only in the vertical direction (in the direction of the black arrow in 7B) toward the wearer's face, and no force is transmitted in any direction other than the vertical direction, for example, perpendicular to the contact surface between the upper and lower contact portions and the face (in the direction of the dashed arrow in 7B). This type of cheek lowering and eyebrow raising is preferable from the viewpoint of assisting only in the opening of the upper and lower eyelids and stimulating the proprioceptors around the eyelids less. Note that in Figure 7, the fixing member is omitted, and only the frame member for one eye is shown. 【0068】Furthermore, the lower contact portion 11b and the upper contact portion 12b are preferably detachably attached to the frame member 10c. The lower contact portion 11b and the upper contact portion 12b are preferably adhesive on at least the surface that contacts the wearer's skin in order to be fixed to the wearer's face, and a protective sheet may be provided on the surface in order to maintain the adhesiveness until the wearer uses the device. Various known means such as double-sided tape can be used to provide adhesiveness to the lower contact portion 11b and the upper contact portion 12b. The lower contact portion 11b and the upper contact portion 12b are preferably made of various known non-slip materials such as silicone rubber in order to be fixed to the wearer's face, and may be provided with protrusions or the like for anti-slip purposes. By fixing the lower contact portion 11b and the upper contact portion 12b to the wearer's face, stable cheek lowering and eyebrow raising can be maintained, contributing to further functional regulation of the locus coeruleus. 【0069】 The lower contact portion 11b and the upper contact portion 12b are preferably made of an elastic material, and more preferably of a variety of elastically deformable material such as rubber or elastomer. Furthermore, the lower contact portion 11b and the upper contact portion 12b may contain wire or springs inside to facilitate elastic deformation. 【0070】(Fourth Modification) Figure 8 shows a schematic front view and a schematic cross-section of an example of a locus coeruleus function regulating device according to the fourth modification, in the state before (8A) and after (8B) attachment, respectively. The frame member 10d of the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1d according to the fourth modification is preferably a member that expands in both directions toward the wearer's cheek and eyebrow when the fixing member is pulled in the opposite direction to the frame member and fixed to the wearer's ear compared to before it was fixed to the ear. The lower contact portion 11c in this modification may be in a form that contacts only the area around the cheek, but preferably it is formed in a manner that contacts from the cheek to the area around the inner corner of the eye. The frame member 10d preferably has a gap between the upper contact portions 12c, with the frame members 10d spaced apart from each other. In Figure 8, the connecting portion 13b has a structure in which a part of the frame member 10d protrudes in an arch shape in the direction opposite to the wearer's face. By pulling the fixing member 20b toward the back of the wearer's head (see arrow (i)), the connecting portion 13b deforms and stretches to widen. Because the frame member 10d has the gap described above, it is pushed outwards in an oblique vertical direction as the connecting portion 13b deforms and stretches (see arrows (ii) and (iii)). As a result, the lower contact portion 11c and the upper contact portion 12c are also pulled in the vertical direction, so that, as in the third modified example, no force is transmitted to the wearer's face in any direction other than the vertical direction. Cheek lowering and eyebrow raising in this manner is preferable from the viewpoint that it only assists in the opening of the upper and lower eyelids and is less likely to stimulate proprioceptors around the eyelids (see arrows (iv) and (v)). Note that in Figure 8, only the frame member on one eye side is shown, and in the side view, only the connecting portion 13b and fixing member 20b are shown for convenience. 【0071】 The thickness of the connecting portion 13b and the fixing member 20b is preferably greater than the thickness of the frame member 10d excluding the connecting portion 13b. The thickness of the connecting portion 13b and the fixing member 20b as described above allows the frame member 10d to expand more easily in both directions towards the wearer's cheek and eyebrow when the fixing member 20b is pulled. 【0072】(Fifth Modification) Figure 9 shows a schematic front view of an example of a locus coeruleus function regulating device according to the fifth modification, specifically showing only the frame member (9A), the frame member after being attached to the fixing member (9B), and a schematic plan view of the face of a wearer wearing the device according to 9B (9C). Figure 10 shows a schematic front view of an example of a locus coeruleus function regulating device according to the fifth modification, specifically showing only the annular frame member (10A), the frame member after being attached to the fixing member (10B), and a schematic plan view of the face of a wearer wearing the device according to 10B (10C). 【0073】 The locus coeruleus function regulating device 1e according to the fifth modified example includes at least a frame member 10e made of a flexible elastic material such as silicone rubber. Furthermore, when a fixing member 20c is used in this modified example, a general commercially available pair of eyeglasses that can fix the frame member 10e may be used as is. In the fifth modified example, the frame member 10e is depicted in Figure 9 as having an eyeglass-like structure, but is not limited to this, and may have a so-called monocle-like structure. Also, as shown in Figure 10, the frame member 10e may be annular. When it is monocle-like or annular, two frame members 10e may be used for both eyes in the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1e. In the case of the locus coeruleus function regulating device 1e, the parts of the frame member 10e that directly contact the cheek and eyebrow may be treated as the lower contact part and upper contact part. 【0074】In the fifth modification, when a fixing member 20c is provided, the method of attaching the frame member 10e to the fixing member 20c is not particularly limited, but one example is to attach a jig that can be attached to at least a part of the temple (earpiece) portion of a commercially available eyeglass body. This jig is, for example, a coupling portion 13c which has a groove formed for fitting and into which the frame member 10e can be fitted and fixed. In this case, as shown in Figure 9, the frame member 10e adheres closely to the wearer's face independently of the fixing member 20c, and eyebrow raising and cheek lowering can be performed. The frame member 10e fixed to the fixing member 20c in this way may have an eyeglass-like structure, or it may be a monocle-like or annular shape with the center fixed by a connecting member formed in the shape of the bridge portion of eyeglasses. The coupling portion 13c may also be attached to the bridge portion of the eyeglass body as a similar jig. The locus coeruleus function regulating device 1e with the frame member 10e fixed in this way is preferred from the viewpoint of keeping costs low. 【0075】 Furthermore, if the frame member 10e is annular, the connecting portion 13c may be provided on the frame member 10e side rather than as a jig. The form of the connecting portion 13c is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be provided on the frame member 10e as a C-shaped ring part. The connecting portion 13c can be fixed by hooking the C-shaped recess onto a part of the temple or nose pad of the eyeglass body. This form is preferable from the viewpoint of reducing the pressure on the wearer's face. Also, although the frame member 10e is depicted as a perfect circle in Figure 10, it may be a roughly C-shape with a part of the outer circumference of the ring cut out, or it may be an arc shape consisting only of the lower contact portion and the area where the connecting portion 13c is provided. These forms of the frame member 10c are preferable from the viewpoint of being easily replaceable when wear or deterioration over time occurs. 【0076】(Sixth Modification) Next, the locus couleur function regulating device 100 according to the sixth modification will be described. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the locus couleur function regulating device according to the sixth modification, where (11A) is a front view of the locus couleur function regulating device and (11B) is a diagram showing the fixed part of the locus couleur function regulating device. In the locus couleur function regulating device according to the sixth modification, the frame member 10e shown in Figure 9 is used as the locus couleur function regulating device itself. 【0077】 The sixth modified example of the locus coeruleus function regulating device 100 comprises a substantially circular first frame member 110 (hereinafter referred to as "frame member 110" unless otherwise specified) and a substantially circular second frame member 120 (hereinafter referred to as "frame member 120" unless otherwise specified), a bridge 115 connecting frame member 110 and frame member 120, ring members 112 and 122, a first fixing part 130 connected to frame member 110 (hereinafter referred to as "fixing part 130" unless otherwise specified), and a second fixing part 140 connected to frame member 120 (hereinafter referred to as "fixing part 140" unless otherwise specified). The frame members 110 and 120 are made of a flexible elastic material such as silicone rubber. In Figure 11A, the frame members 110 and 120 are depicted with a left and right frame structure, but are not limited to this, and may also have a so-called monocle-like structure. In the case of the locus coeruleus function regulator 100, the parts of the frame members 110 and 120 that come into direct contact with the cheek area (not shown) and the eyebrow area (not shown) are treated as the lower contact area and the upper contact area, respectively. 【0078】As shown in Figure 11B, the fixing part 130 (140) is constructed by connecting a rubber member 132 to a ring member 112 (122), inserting the rubber member 132 into a roughly U-shaped hollow ear hook member 134, and then attaching a member (stopper) 134, which is larger than the diameter of the hollow ring member, to one end of the rubber member 132. With this configuration, when the ear hook part 134 is hooked onto the ear, a tensile force acts toward the ear side in the axial direction (Y-axis direction) connecting the frame and the ear hook part, so that the upper side of the frame members 110 and 120 is pushed upward in the Z-axis direction and the lower side is pushed downward in the Z-axis direction. This principle will be described later. 【0079】 Therefore, as in the third embodiment, the lower and upper contact portions of the frame members 110 and 120 are pulled in the vertical direction, so that no force is transmitted to the wearer's face in any direction other than the vertical direction. The cheek lowering allows the eyelids to open without excessively stretching the tarsal muscle, thereby relaxing the contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle and preventing strong excitation of the locus coeruleus. The eyebrow raising assists in opening the upper eyelids, allowing the eyelids to open without excessively contracting the tarsal muscle even when the connection between the aponeurosis and the tarsal plate is detached, thereby mitigating strong excitation of the locus coeruleus. 【0080】 <Relationship between cheek lowering / eyebrow raising and the force pulling towards the occipital region (ear side) in the Y-axis direction> Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between cheek lowering / eyebrow raising and the force pulling towards the occipital region (ear side) in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Figure 12, when the frame 200, which is made of a flexible elastic material such as silicone rubber, is pulled from point E at both ends toward the occipital region (ear side) in the Y-axis direction (direction of the arrow from E) with E at the point of force application, the right frame member 201A and the left frame member 201B deform. 【0081】In the right frame member 201A, point C (the rightmost point in Figure 12) is the pivot point, and a force acts on the upper part 206A of the right frame member 201A, with point D (the upper rightmost point in Figure 12) as the point of application, pushing the upper part 206A upward in the Z-axis direction. In the left frame member 201B, point C (the leftmost point in Figure 12) is the pivot point, and a force acts on the upper part 206B of the left frame member 201B, with point D (the upper leftmost point in Figure 12) as the point of application, pushing the upper part 206B upward in the Z-axis direction. 【0082】 On the other hand, in the right frame member 201A, point C (the rightmost point in Figure 12) is the pivot point, and a force acts on the lower part 208A of the right frame member 201A, pushing the lower part 208A downward along the Z axis, with point D (the lower rightmost point in Figure 12) as the point of application. In the left frame member 201B, point C (the leftmost point in Figure 12) is the pivot point, and a force acts on the lower part 208B of the left frame member 201B, pushing the lower part 208B upward along the Z axis, with point D (the lower leftmost point in Figure 12) as the point of application. These actions make it possible to raise the eyebrows and lower the cheeks. 【0083】When point A at both ends of frame 200 is used as the point of force application and the frame is pulled from point A toward the back of the head (ear side) in the Y-axis direction, the upward force along the Z-axis is strong and the downward force along the Z-axis is weak. This is because point A is above the intersection point E between the lines extending horizontally outward from the central bridge 205 and the outer curves of frame members 201A and 201B, thus weakening the force applied to the lower point D, which is the point of application. Similarly, when point B at both ends of frame 200 is used as the point of force application and the frame is pulled from point B toward the back of the head (ear side) in the Y-axis direction, the upward force along the Z-axis is weak and the downward force along the Z-axis is strong. This is because point B is below the intersection point E between the lines extending horizontally outward from the central bridge 205 and the outer curves of frame members 201A and 201B, thus weakening the force applied to the upper point D, which is the point of application. In this way, pulling at point E results in roughly equal force distribution between the upper and lower points D, but the preferred pulling position is adjusted as needed according to the wearer's face shape and preferences. 【0084】 The sixth modification described above utilizes this principle to intentionally lower the cheeks and raise the eyebrows. The position of point A varies depending on the shape of the frame, but for example, in the case of a roughly circular frame as shown in Figure 12, a structure that pulls toward the back of the head (towards the ears) in the Y-axis direction at the intersection point E of the line extending horizontally outward from the central bridge 205 and the outer curve of the rim is preferable, but its position is not limited to this. 【0085】 The effects of the present invention will be specifically explained below, based on the results of reference tests using fingers, fitting tests using a locus coeruleus function regulator, and reference tests using tape. 【0086】 (Reference Test) Figure 13 shows a graph plotting the changes in hemoglobin concentration in the left and right orbital-frontal corticos of the first subject when the cheeks were lowered (13A) and in the left and right orbital-frontal corticos of the second subject when the eyebrows were raised (13B), as measured by near-infrared spectroscopy. In this graph, the vertical axis represents the change in the concentration of each hemoglobin, and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time. The upper graph shows the measurement results for the left orbital-frontal cortex, and the lower graph shows the measurement results for the right orbital-frontal cortex. 【0087】 (Test Method) Two subjects with detached junctions between the traction aponeurosis and the tarsal plate in the lower eyelid underwent a cheek-down or eyebrow-raising test using fingers. These subjects exhibited symptoms of being unable to fully wake up even with their eyes open and falling asleep when looking downwards. During the test, the subjects wore a near-infrared spectroscopy device. The device was used to measure and calculate the hemoglobin concentrations in the blood of the left and right orbitofrontal cortices to monitor changes in cerebral blood flow. The hemoglobin concentrations were oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb), deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxy-Hb), and total hemoglobin (total-Hb). An increase in total hemoglobin concentration was evaluated as an increase in cerebral blood flow, while a decrease in total hemoglobin concentration was evaluated as a decrease in cerebral blood flow. In the following tests, cheek lowering and eyebrow raising are substituted by lowering the cheeks with fingers, raising the eyebrows with fingers, and raising the eyebrows using tape, respectively. 【0088】 (Reference test using fingers to lower cheeks and raise eyebrows) 1. For the first subject (hereinafter referred to as Subject A), the test results when the cheeks were lowered with fingers are described below, referring to 11A. Note that (1) and (2) in 11A indicate the time spent looking downward and upward, respectively. (i) and (ii) in 11A indicate the time spent lowering the cheeks of both eyes with fingers. The act of lowering the cheeks was performed twice. 【0089】 (Results and Discussion) Generally, upward gaze strongly contracts the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, which in turn stretches the mechanoreceptors in the tarsal muscle, stimulating the locus coeruleus and the orbitofrontal cortex, thereby increasing cerebral blood flow. However, in subject A, who showed detachment between the lower eyelid retraction aponeurosis and the tarsal plate, upward gaze did not increase cerebral blood flow. This is because subject A has stronger contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle in the eyelid region than healthy individuals, and therefore opens the eyelids more strongly, stimulating the locus coeruleus more strongly, which in turn stimulates the orbitofrontal cortex more strongly, and α ２ This is thought to be because it causes inhibition. However, pulling down the cheek with a finger resulted in an increase in cerebral blood flow. The increase in cerebral blood flow helps to open the lower eyelid, which in turn relaxes the orbicularis oculi muscle of the upper eyelid, allowing the eyelid to open slightly, thus α ２This is presumably due to the disappearance of the inhibition. In this test, a significant increase in cerebral blood flow was confirmed in two cases of lower eyelid lowering. Since the locus coeruleus function regulating device according to the present invention can lift the cheeks when worn, it similarly acts on the locus coeruleus of the brain, suggesting that it may be able to reduce α ２ inhibition and improve cerebral blood flow. 【0090】 2. For the second subject (hereinafter referred to as subject B), the test results when the eyebrows were lifted with a finger will be described below by referring to 13B. In 13B, (1) and (2) respectively indicate the time of downward gaze and upward gaze. In 13B, (i) indicates the time when the left eyebrow was lifted with a finger, and (ii) indicates the time when the right eyebrow was lifted with a finger. 【0091】 (Results and Discussion) Similar to the above, no increase in cerebral blood flow was observed in subject B even when looking upward. However, by lifting both eyebrows with a finger, an increase in cerebral blood flow was observed in the corresponding prefrontal orbital region. The increase in cerebral blood flow is presumably due to the fact that by assisting the opening of the upper eyelid, the opening resistance of the orbicularis oculi muscle of the upper eyelid is reduced, and the eyelid is gently opened, so that α ２ inhibition disappears. Since the locus coeruleus function regulating device according to the present invention can lift the eyebrows when worn, it similarly acts on the locus coeruleus of the brain, suggesting that it may be able to improve cerebral blood flow. 【0092】(Locus coeruleus function modulator fitting test) Figure 14 shows photographs of a patient with spinocerebellar degeneration before (14A) and after (14B) fitting of the locus coeruleus function modulator according to the second embodiment. Note that some parts of the photographs have been blacked out to protect the patient's personal information. The locus coeruleus function modulator according to the second embodiment described above was fitted to the patient with spinocerebellar degeneration, and the facial condition before and after fitting was evaluated. It is known that patients with spinocerebellar degeneration have impaired coordination between the flexor system (muscles that bend) and the extensor system (muscles that straighten) caused by stimulation from the locus coeruleus, and generally exhibit symptoms such as unsteadiness, hand tremors, and slurred speech. In this patient, the left eye could not be opened properly, and there was distortion of the mouth due to tangled muscles around the mouth. As shown in 14B, the opening of the left eye and the distortion of the mouth improved after fitting the device. These results suggest that the device can improve the coordination between the flexor and extensor muscles, which are activated by stimulation from the locus coeruleus. 【0093】 (Reference test 1 using tape to raise eyebrows) Figure 15 shows the changes in muscle contraction of the upper trapezius muscle and the degree of standing forward flexion before (15A) (15C) and after (15B) (15D) tape application in a patient with stiff shoulders (hereinafter referred to as Patient A) and a patient with lower back pain and stiff back (hereinafter referred to as Patient B). When the left eyebrow was raised using tape, as shown in 15B, the contraction of the upper trapezius muscle in Patient A relaxed bilaterally, predominantly on the ipsilateral side. That is, the stiffness in the left shoulder improved significantly, and the stiffness in the right shoulder also improved, although not as much as the left shoulder. Also, as shown in 15D, Patient B was able to easily perform standing forward flexion. 【0094】 Figure 16 shows the change in range of motion around the shoulder joint of a patient with right frozen shoulder (hereinafter referred to as Patient C) before (16A) and after (16B) tape application. When the right eyebrow was raised using the tape, the muscles at the top of Patient C's right shoulder joint relaxed, as shown in 16B. 【0095】 These results suggest that raising the eyebrows with tape slightly opens the eyelids, thereby reducing muscle tension mediated by the locus coeruleus. 【0096】(Reference test 2 using tape to raise eyebrows) Figure 17 shows thermographic changes in the temperature of the temporalis muscle and fingers before (17A) (17B) and after (17C) (17D) application of tape in a patient (hereinafter referred to as Patient D) who complained of cold hands and feet and migraines in the temples (temporalis muscle). When both eyebrows were raised using tape, as shown in 17C, the temperature of the temporalis muscle area of ​​Patient D, indicated by the arrow in the figure, decreased, and the migraine also improved. Furthermore, as shown in 17D, 4 minutes after elevation with tape, the temperature of the fingers increased due to vasodilation, and the cold hands and feet improved. 【0097】 These results suggest that raising the eyebrows with tape slightly opens the eyelids, thereby improving the abnormal vasoconstriction caused by sympathetic nerve tension mediated by the locus coeruleus. 【0098】 The locus coeruleus function regulating device according to the present invention enables cheek lowering and eyebrow raising in the same manner as when using the tape and fingers described above, and thus enables regulation of locus coeruleus function in the same manner as described above. 【0099】 Furthermore, the locus coeruleus function regulating device relating to this application may also be called a cerebral blood flow improving device, an (lower eyelid) eyelid opening assist device, a cheek lowering device, a cheek pressing device, a muscle tone improving device, a sympathetic nerve tone improving device, etc. 【0100】 The locus coeruleus function regulating device according to the present invention can be used for the treatment, prevention, and / or improvement of disorders caused by abnormal cerebral blood flow, abnormal muscle tone, and sympathetic nerve tension.

Claims

1. A device comprising at least a frame member positioned in close proximity to at least one eye of the wearer, wherein the frame member is provided with a lower contact portion capable of contacting and pressing down at least one cheek of the wearer.

2. The locus coeruleus function regulating device according to claim 1, further comprising a fixing member for fixing the frame member to the wearer.

3. The locus coeruleus function regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower contact portion is a portion that protrudes from the back surface of the frame member toward the cheek of the wearer.

4. The lower contact portion is characterized by having a rubber member in at least the portion that contacts the wearer, as described in claim 1 or 3.

5. The locus coeruleus function regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame member further comprises an upper contact portion capable of contacting and lifting at least one eyebrow of the wearer.

6. The locus coeruleus function regulating device according to claim 5, characterized in that the upper contact portion is a portion that protrudes from the back surface of the frame member toward the eyebrows of the wearer.

7. The locus coeruleus function regulating device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the upper contact portion is provided with a rubber member at least in the portion that contacts the wearer.

8. The locus coeruleus function modulator according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that it is in a non-contact state around the nasal root of the wearer when attached to the wearer.

9. The locus coeruleus function regulating device according to claim 2, characterized in that the fixing member is a long member extending from the wearer's temple to the ear, and the device can be fixed by being placed over the wearer's ear.

10. The locus coeruleus function regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when worn, at least a portion of it comes into contact with the wearer's face and is equipped with a vibrating member capable of transmitting vibrations to the wearer.

11. The locus coeruleus function regulating device according to claim 10, characterized in that the vibrating member is built into the lower contact portion.

12. The locus coeruleus function regulating device according to claim 5, characterized in that the frame members have at least one gap between them.

13. The locus coeruleus function regulating device according to claim 12, characterized in that the cut is located in the region between the upper contact portions, and the region of the frame member between the lower contact portions is curved so as to be able to surround the wearer's nasal bone when worn.

14. The lower contact portion is a member that deforms so as to be able to push down the cheek of the wearer when the fixing member is pulled in the opposite direction to the frame member and fixed to the wearer's ear, as described in claim 1.

15. The locus coeruleus function regulating device according to claim 5, characterized in that the upper contact portion is a member that deforms so as to be able to push up the eyebrow portion of the wearer when the fixing member is pulled in the opposite direction to the frame member and fixed to the wearer's ear.

16. The locus coeruleus function regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame member is a member that expands in both directions toward the wearer's cheek and eyebrow compared to before it was fixed to the ear when the fixing member is pulled in the opposite direction to the frame member.

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