Implantable eyelid electrode and method of implanting same

Abstract

The implantable eyelid electrode apparatus includes a body of nonconductive material having first and second edges and first and second ends. A longitudinal axis extends between the first and second ends and a distance from the longitudinal axis to at least one of the first and second edges decreases towards at least one of the first and second ends. Conductive material is positioned at a surface of the body and at least one lead wire is in electrical contact with the conductive material. Further, the conductive material may include a number of conductive electrodes which are capable of being connected as an anode, a cathode, or left in an open configuration. The conductive electrodes may be strip electrodes positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and further, the plurality of conductive electrodes may be configured in a guarded multipolar configuration. An electrode device may be implanted in the upper eyelid or the lower eyelid or both. Moreover, a method for implanting an electrode apparatus includes positioning the electrode apparatus adjacent the orbicularis oculi muscle fiber such that the conductive material of the implantable eyelid electrode is adjacent the surface of the muscle fibers. The conductive electrodes, which may be of a strip configuration, are positioned with their length perpendicular to the muscle fibers, when implanted, to promote current passing parallel to the muscle fibers.