In a crucial breakthrough that may benefit thousands of people who cannot close their eyelids,scientists have showed that the artificial muscles(EPAM in fig;) can restore the ability of facial paralysis patients to blink.Illustration of left eyelid sling that is attached to the electroactive polymer artificial muscle device (EPAM) after passing through an interpolation unit that is implanted in the lateral orbital wall (note screw fixation). The power supply and artificial muscle are implanted in the temporal fossa. Conceptually, when the normal right eyelid blinks, the electrical sensor (green) sends a signal to the battery to activate the EPAM.EPAM is an emerging technology that has the potential for use in rehabilitating facial movement in patients with paralysis. Electroactive polymers act like human muscles by expanding and contracting, based on variable voltage input levels.For patients who have one functioning eyelid, a sensor wire threaded over the normal eyelid could detect the natural blink impulse and fire the artificial muscle at the same time. Among patients lacking control of either eyelid, an electronic pacemaker similar to those used to regulate heartbeats could blink the eye at a steady rate, and be deactivated by a magnetic switch.
Scientists,however,are of the opinion that there are many ideas & concepts where this technology can play role.
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