Session: ASME Undergraduate Student Design Expo

Paper Number: 175462

Eeg Sensor-Based Eye Blinker for Ptosis Treatment 

Ptosis is an ocular condition in which patients’ eyelids droop, and they have difficulty coordinating eye movements. Causes are diverse: diseases such as progressive ophthalmoplegia, strokes, aging, and surgical operations, including Botox injections. A large portion of the adult population, 4.7-13.5 percent, is afflicted by acquired ptosis. The number rises when including congenital ptosis. Additionally, in many ophthalmic conditions, patients are often unable to exercise ocular muscles.

 

This research advances the field of ptosis solutions. Current treatments are either invasive or uncomfortable. One prominent solution, eye crutches, mechanically lifts up the eyelid to keep it open. Eyelid-raising drops chemically maintain an open eyelid. Blepharoplasty is a reconstructive or cosmetic surgical operation that involves the removal of tissue in the eyelid region to correct drooping eyelids. However, none of these treatments address the issue of blinking, as the eyelid is forced to remain open. This can lead to further issues, with the eyes becoming unlubricated, debris being unable to be flushed out, and oxygen and other nutrients, which are essential for clear vision and preventing dryness and ocular irritation, are unable to reach the cornea. The proposed device developed in this research offers a comfortable and noninvasive solution to ptosis ailments through a therapeutic apparatus that aids in blinking and mitigates long-term muscle weakness and atrophy. The device employs glasses whose frames were 3D-printed, along with a small chamber to operate the mechanical arm, which lifts and lowers the eyelids. This device also ensures muscle activation for eyelids and enables stimulation of intra-and-extra ocular muscles.This operation was dependent on electroencephalography (EEG) sensors.  

 

In this experiment, a single-electrode EEG was used to detect ocular motion via signals from the frontal nodes. Earlobe voltage connections served as reference points. Readings were analyzed and filtered in real time to detect blink signals. Data packets were parsed, and raw EEG input was isolated. If the processed signal has an amplitude greater than 250uV, the signal is identified as blinking. Upon blink identification, a micro linear servo actuator mounted on a pair of 3D-printed eyeglass frame apparatus was activated. The eyelid is lifted or lowered by a memory foam nib connected to the micro servo. The micro servo, initially set to 180°, was actuated to 0° and moved the linear actuator down by a set amount. After an appropriate duration calibrated with the standardized human blinking rate, the eyelid was again raised to open to the resting position. For safety, simulations were initially run on a 3D printed eye model. The invention was later tested on human participants. The delay between the human blinking (EEG signal) and the dummy eye blinking was measured using image processing conducted via MATLAB programming. A few milliseconds' delay was recorded. Through the course of the project, multiple actuating mechanisms were considered, including piezoelectronics, electroactive polymers, and a micro linear servo actuator, which was ultimately chosen. Although there is a significant buzzing noise, its combination of low response time, low voltage requirement, and large actuation distance was all necessary for this device for ocular consideration and popular access. Our poster will describe the mechanical and electronic aspects, along with the device operation in greater detail. 

 

Presenting Author: Aaron Peter IntelliScience Institute

Presenting Author Biography: I'm a research intern at San Jose State University's Department of Mechanical Engineering. I am interested in modern medical solutions to a variety of diseases including ptosis and various age-related conditions. I'm developing high expertise in mechanical and electronics-based activation processes by applying microprocessors. Engineering design and fabrication is also of great interest to me.

Authors:

Sohail Zaidi San Jose State University
Aaron Peter IntelliScience Institute