Blinkeze® External Eyelid Weights

FAQs

General Questions

Are patients with temporary facial paralysis, resulting from Bell's palsy for instance, a candidate for receiving an Eyelid Weight Implant or a Blinkeze External Lid Weight?

Transient paralysis patients may be excellent candidates for the Blinkeze External Lid Weights. If the paralysis is not expected to resolve, or if the patient’s cornea is at risk because conservative measures of treatment are not effective, an implant is recommended. The Blinkeze External Lid Weight can provide the patient awaiting surgery a reassuring indication as to the effectiveness of the treatment.

What are the Blinkeze External Lid Weights made of?
The Blinkeze External Lid Weights are made of Tantalum. Tantalum is a heavy, inert metal with a long history of recognized safety for medical device use. The two metals densities are so close that the external weight nearly approximates the dimensions of a gold eyelid weight implant.
Why does MedDev offer five different skin tones in the Blinkeze External Lid Weights?

To provide the closest possible skin tone match to the patient’s own eyelid complexion. Improved facial appearance helps encourage better patient compliance to their treatment.

What is the best way of attaching the Blinkeze External Lid Weight to the outside of the eyelid?

MedDev offers an EyeClose adhesive strip designed specifically for this purpose. The double-sided adhesive strips are convenient to use, easy to apply and require no cleanup.

Has there been any reported irritation or reaction to use of Blinkeze External Lid Weights attached with an EyeClose hypoallergenic adhesive strip?

No instances of contact dermatitis have been reported associated with the use of Blinkeze External Lid Weights attached with an EyeClose hypoallergenic adhesive strip. EyeClose Adhesive Strips are fabricated from a hypoallergenic medical grade adhesive that is applied to both sides of a white, semi-transparent fabric film. Although mild eyelid irritation has been reported when a weight is left on the eyelid for more then three days at a time, wearing of the weight for a longer period of time is not recommended. It is suggested that the weight be changed on a daily basis (or as necessary) preferably after bathing when the eyelid skin is clean, oil-free and dry. Use of a Blinkeze External Lid Weight attached with an EyeClose Adhesive Strip is contraindicated for patients with a known hypersensitivity to tantalum or adhesive.

Has there been any published studies discussing treatment of facial palsies with External Eyelid Weights?

In 1995, UC San Francisco Ophthalmologists; Seiff, Boerner and Carter reported the results of a two year study on the usefulness of Blinkeze External Lid Weights to treat ocular exposure associated with facial paralysis1. They studied the effectiveness of using weights on 12 patients with unilateral facial paralysis. The study concluded that Blinkeze External Lid Weights decreased corneal exposure, decreased reliance on artificial teardrops and increased patient comfort.

  1. Seiff, S. R., Boerner, M. & Carter, S. R. 1995. Treatment of Facial Palsies with External Eyelid Weights. American Journal of Ophthalmology, 120, 652-657.
Has there been any reported loss of Blinkeze External Lid Weights worn by patients?
In the two-year study by Stuart Seiff, M.D. et al, 19951, out of the 12 patients wearing Blinkeze External Lid Weights only one weight each was lost by two patients.  Dermatolchalasis of the upper eyelid was noted as a common problem in patients with loose, thin skin where the weight tended to droop into the visual axis.

  1. Seiff, S. R., Boerner, M. & Carter, S. R. 1995. Treatment of Facial Palsies with External Eyelid Weights. American Journal of Ophthalmology, 120, 652-657.
How are Blinkeze External Lid Weights attached to the eyelid?
MedDev provides hypoallergenic, double-sided EyeClose® Adhesive Strips in boxes of a hundred single-use strips designed specifically for this purpose. The EyeClose Adhesive Strips are convenient to use, easy to apply and require no clean-up.
How long should a patient wear a Blinkeze External Lid Weight?
Blinkeze External Lid Weights should be changed as necessary. Many factors contribute to the need to change/reapply the weights. Some of these are daily oils collected on skin, bathing, environment, etc. The majority of patients will find it necessary to change/reapply Blinkeze External Lid Weights at least once a day.
How are Blinkeze External Lid Weights cleaned?
There are several ways to clean Blinkeze External Lid Weights. The adhesive tape can be removed from the Weight and then the weight should be washed with mild soap and water. DO NOT use alcohol; repeated use can cause abrasion to the paint on the Weight’s outer surface.

MRI Safety 

Are MedDev Eyelid Closure products MRI compatible?

MRI safety information for MedDev eyelid closure products was developed using non-clinical testing and received marketing clearance by the FDA in August 2015. The following information provides guidance for physicians, radiologist and MRI technologist with patients using only MedDev products in the MR environment:

MedDev MRI Safety Info – Guidance Document

MedDev Part Numbers/Reference Numbers List – Addendum to MedDev MRI Safety Info

Patient MRI Safety Information

Ordering Questions

How are Blinkeze External Lid Weights Prescribed?

There are two options for ordering Blinkeze External Lid Weights from MedDev:

  1. With the completed BLINKEZE PHYSICIAN ORDER FORM (located on the Customer Service page under ‘Resources’) and PATIENT PRESCRIPTION on file at MedDev the patient can call MedDev directly and place an order
  2. The doctor’s office can place an order
How long does it take to receive the Blinkeze External Lid Weight?
Typical receipt of a Blinkeze External Lid Weight is five to seven working days from the date the order is placed. Upon request MedDev can arrange to mail the weight for next day or overnight delivery. Additional shipping charges will apply.
Why would I not just implant a weight?
Even though the procedure is completely reversible should the paralysis resolve itself, the patient may opt for a non-surgical treatment approach. This can relieve any uncertainties as to the effectiveness of the treatment prior to surgery. The Blinkeze External Lid Weights can act as a confidence booster for patients before surgery by relieving any fears or doubts they may have pre-operatively.
How do I know which color weight to choose?

MedDev Corporation has a Skin Tone Selector Card available upon request, included in MedDev Tantalum Eyelid Weight Sizing Sets and depicted on its web site to gauge which color most closely matches their patient’s skin tone.

What are the most commonly ordered weight sizes for a Blinkeze External Lid Weights?

MedDev Corporation conducted a survey of the most popular Blinkeze External Lid Weights ranging from 0.6 g to 2.8 g (in 0.2 g increments) prescribed over a 10-year period. The survey found weights in the range from 1.0 g to 1.4 g. to be the most commonly ordered.

Based on these findings, MedDev Corporation suggests prescribing the 1.4 g weight at the upper end for the medium range to satisfy 81% of all non-surgical applications. If the 1.4 g weight is prescribed, it is important that the patient be scheduled for an office visit to test that the 1.4 g weight adequately closes the eyelid.

Reimbursement

How are Blinkeze External Lid Weights reimbursed?

Presently there is no Medicare (HCPCS) code that will pay for Blinkeze External Lid Weights. Because of this, MedDev has maintained the lowest possible “out-of-pocket” cost to the patient for the prescribed device. Upon request, MedDev can provide a reimbursement guide for MedDev eyelid closure products to assist the patient’s prescribing physician in completing and submitting a claim to private insurance for potential coverage. There is no guarantee of payment.