Abstract
There are a number of diseases that can compromise with the vision of an individual. For example, there are diseases that directly affect the movement of eyelids, in turn, affecting vision. Ptosis is one such disease that affects the functionality of the muscles that control the movement of the eyelids or their nerve supply. Consequently, an upper eyelid of the individual naturally droops or falls hindering the vision of the individual.
Keywords: Crtuch glass, neurogenic, ptosis
Innovation Assembly
The term “ptosis” is derived from the Greek word fall. Blepharoptosis is upper eyelid drooping with the eyes in the primary position of gaze. Ptosis can occur in all age groups and is the result of various factors. A thorough evaluation is of utmost importance to determine the cause. Ptosis can be classified as true ptosis or pseudoptosis. Acquired ptosis can be further classified as myogenic, neurogenic and aponeurotic ptosis. Further, if ptosis is not treated well in time, it may aggravate to other complicated conditions, such as amblyopia or astigmatism.
Diseases, such as ptosis may be recognized by an upper marginal reflex distance[1,2] of less than 2 mm or asymmetry of more than 2 mm between the eyes of a person. Also, ptosis may be defined by a vertical fissure height or a distance from the center of the pupil to the upper eyelid. So, the newly designed crutch glass model helps to improve the marginal reflex distance of the individual.
One of the non-surgical techniques to address such conditions involve using specially designed spectacles in case of myogenic or neurogenic ptosis. Such spectacles may have a sub-component that would operate to control the eyelids of the individual, allowing clear vision. However, such specially designed spectacles usually have complicated construction and therefore, difficult to handle. Further, the weight of such complicated spectacles is also a concern. Moreover, such spectacles usually do not provide flexibility of adjustment as per the needs of the individual. Consequently, the existing spectacles pose discomfort to the individual as well.
This crutch assembly includes a holder component having a hollow channel and a concave-shaped component formed on an exposed end of the trunk portion. It also includes a spring adapted to be disposed at the bottom of the hollow channel, and a crutch adapted to be accommodated in the hollow channel against a force of the spring and a concave-shaped component formed on an exposed end of the trunk portion of the upper rim of the glass. The concave-shaped component is adapted to hold and raise the upper eyelid of a user [Fig. 1a-c].
Figure 1.
(a) Top view of crutch-fitted spectacles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (b) The frame of the spectacles is adapted to accommodate the pair of crutch assemblies according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (c) A pair of crutch assemblies adapted to be disposed on spectacles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
Discussion
The crutch assembly is designed in such a manner that it does not exert excessive force on the eyelids to stay open as the materials used are flexible. Therefore, it also does not hamper the blinking of the eyes, in any way. This is the major difference with the previously available crutch glass[3,4] in that the blinking was compromised leading to excessive dryness and watering from the eyes, also the previously available crutch lacked the modified spring attachment for user adjustable attachment and preventing excessive lid retraction.
The crutch assembly offers a comprehensive approach by controlling the movement of the upper eyelid of the user. The raising of the upper eyelid will clear the visual axis, which would further protect the user from the consequent possibility of amblyopia which may lead to visual impairment.
Conclusion
As the crutch assembly elevates the eyelid to the position of just clearing of the visual axis instead of the normal anatomical position, excessive conjunctival exposure is prevented which could lead to corneal drying and reflex watering from the eye. Hence, the usage of the proposed crutch assembly does not cause any damage to the eye. Therefore, it is comfortable, simple, flexible, adjustable, and cost-effective.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
Acknowledgement
The device has got patent from the Indian Patent Authority in April 2024.
References
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