Electrical stimulation of eye blink in individuals with dry eye symptoms caused by chronic unilateral facial palsy

J. Lylykangas, M. Ilves, H. Venesvirta, V. Rantanen, E. Mäkelä, A. Vehkaoja, J. Verho, J. Lekkala, M. Rautiainen, V. Surakka

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionScientificpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The aim was to validate the functionality and subjective experiences of timer-triggered electrical blink stimulation with participants (N = 6) suffering from dry eye symptoms caused by chronic unilateral facial palsy. In a stimulation condition, the muscles responsible for eye blinking were stimulated at fixed intervals while watching a video for about 120 min. In a control condition, the participants watched a video without stimulation. The participants rated their dry eye symptoms with a questionnaire before and after the both conditions. They also rated the levels of felt pain, discomfort and naturalness of the stimulated movement. Additionally, the magnitude of the stimulated eye blinks over time was evaluated. The results showed that the magnitude of the stimulated eye blink did not decrease significantly during the watching task. The stimulation was rated as painless, slightly uncomfortable, and fairly natural. The experienced eye dryness decreased significantly in the stimulation condition. Most participants got used to the stimulation, or even forgot it during the task. The findings are promising in respect to the use of timer-triggered blink stimulation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCMBEBIH 2019 - Proceedings of the International Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering
EditorsAlmir Badnjevic, Lejla Gurbeta Pokvić, Ranko Škrbić
PublisherSpringer Verlag
Pages7-11
Number of pages5
ISBN (Print)978-3-030-17970-0
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Publication typeA4 Article in conference proceedings
EventInternational Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering in Bosnia and Herzegovina -
Duration: 1 Jan 2019 → …

Publication series

NameIFMBE Proceedings
Volume73
ISSN (Print)1433-9277

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Period1/01/19 → …

Keywords

  • Dry eye disease
  • Dry eye symptoms
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Eye blink
  • Facial palsy

Publication forum classification

  • Publication forum level 1

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Electrical stimulation of eye blink in individuals with dry eye symptoms caused by chronic unilateral facial palsy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this