Edward G Hernandez

US Patent:

58239383, Oct 20, 1998

Filed:

Mar 27, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/832298

Inventors:

Edward V. Hernandez - Elk Grove CA

Assignee:

The Regents Of The University Of Calfornia - Oakland CA

International Classification:

A61N 100

US Classification:

600 15

Abstract:

An apparatus for occluding the upper and lower eyelids of a patient at risk of developing corneal keratopathy. A magnet is attached to or placed within a polymer base that conforms to the normal curvature of the external skin surface of the human eyelid. The conforming base is then attached to the upper eyelid using a removable adhesive such as double-sided tape. A similar conforming base and magnet is attached to the lower eyelid. The magnetic attraction from the opposing magnets pulls the upper and lower eyelids together so as to close the eye, but can be broken by gently spreading apart the conforming bases for examination of the eye or application of medicaments when necessary. Variations of the device can be made where one of the magnets is replaced by a metal plate or other magnetic, or where a pair of electromagnets are used with a control for switching polarity to the electromagnets for reversal between magnetic attractive and repulsive forces and hence opening and closing the eyelids.