Perforated Mesh Eyelid Support for Trauma-Free Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for holding an upper eyelid closed after injuries or surgeries are often uncomfortable and inadequate, with conventional eye patches and rigid splints causing trauma and discomfort, while surgical procedures like Tarsorrhaphy are invasive.
Innovation Solution
A non-rigid, perforated mesh eyelid support with biocompatible adhesive and adjustable curvature, designed to conform to the eye socket and brow, providing a comfortable and secure closure of the eyelid without suturing, allowing for medication access and breathability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional eye patches or rigid splints are used to hold the eyelid closed, then the eyelid can be kept in a closed position, but the device causes discomfort and trauma to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible contact lens that conforms to the curvature of the cornea, replacing rigid splints and conventional patches. This flexible membrane maintains eyelid closure effectiveness while eliminating the discomfort and trauma associated with rigid structures, directly resolving the technical contradiction between reliability and harmful factors.
2Reliability
If surgical Tarsorrhaphy is performed to hold the eyelid closed, then secure closure is achieved, but the procedure is invasive and causes significant trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible contact lens serves as an intermediary device between the eyelid and the eye surface, providing secure closure without the need for invasive surgical procedures like Tarsorrhaphy. This mediator maintains the therapeutic benefit of closed-eye healing while completely avoiding the trauma of suturing, resolving the contradiction between security and invasiveness.
3Reliability
If conventional eye patches are used to cover the eye, then the eyelid can be kept closed, but the patches can smother the eye and are inadequate for effective healing
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible contact lens provides a thin, breathable membrane that maintains eyelid closure while allowing gas exchange and preventing the smothering effect of conventional opaque patches. This resolves the contradiction between effective closure maintenance and breathability/comfort.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The eyelid support effectively maintains the eyelid in a closed position for extended periods, promoting healing while minimizing trauma and discomfort, and can be easily applied and removed without leaving residue.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive can be biocompatible, and can be used to adhere the eyelid support to an outside surface of an upper eyelid.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a device and method for holding a superior tarsus of an eye in a closed position. Some embodiments of the device can comprise a first main surface configured to be applied against an upper eyelid having eyelashes when the upper eyelid is in a closed position such that an inferior edge of the eyelid patch is positioned above the eyelashes of the upper eyelid. The first main surface can have an adhesive thereon. The device is configured to be applied above the eyelashes, below the eyebrow, and to form multiple curvatures to maintain sufficient rigidity to maintain the upper eyelid in a closed position. Additionally, some embodiments of the device have thinned or more flexible portions that can improve the conformability and fit of the device to the user's anatomy.