Understanding how to restore natural blinking in people with facial paralysis
Official title: ESTABLISHING THE NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS FOR RESTORATION OF NATURAL BLINK
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10953294 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eyelids move and aims to help people with facial paralysis, like after a stroke, by creating a device that can help them blink naturally again, which could improve their vision and how they connect with others.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $213,801 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY036680-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10953294 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced facial paralysis resulting from stroke or other neurological conditions and suffer from eyelid dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have eyelid dysfunction or those whose facial paralysis is not related to neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neurophysiological mechanisms behind eyelid movement, particularly focusing on restoring the natural blink reflex in individuals suffering from facial paralysis due to stroke or other neurological disorders. By conducting fundamental neuroscientific studies, the researchers aim to uncover how muscle activation is linked to eyelid function. The ultimate goal is to develop a neuroprosthesis that can effectively replicate natural eyelid motion, improving both visual function and social communication for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the quality of life for patients by restoring their ability to blink naturally, alleviating pain and visual impairment.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been some progress in neuroprosthetic development, this specific approach to restoring natural blinking through a deep understanding of neuromechanics is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clites, Tyler R — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Clites, Tyler R
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.