Patent ID: 8454691

Claim:
A method for restoring eyelid function in a ptosis patient, comprising: (a) suture anchoring an artificial muscle network to superior palpebral conjunctiva tissues in a serpentine configuration with respect to tarsal glands of the eyelid; and (b) suture anchoring the artificial muscle network to tissues of upper orbital septum; (c) wherein the artificial muscle network comprises a chemically active biocompatible hydrogel form of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers; (d) wherein the artificial muscle network contracts so as to bias the eyelid into a first open position in response to activation of a first biasing force by a mildly acidic solution having a pH around 4 or higher; (e) wherein the artificial muscle network relaxes so as to bias the eyelid into a second closed position in response to activation of a second biasing force by a mildly alkaline solution having a pH around 8 or lower.