A new scientific review published in Contact Lens and Anterior Eye suggests that transcutaneous electrical stimulation, particularly Dynamic Muscle Stimulation technology (DMSt), may help improve blinking function while reducing signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED).
The review, authored by Kendall E. Donaldson, MD, of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, examines evidence from clinical studies and mechanistic research in ophthalmology and other fields. The paper highlights inefficient blinking and eyelid laxity as potentially underrecognized contributors to DED and explores how targeted electrical stimulation may support tear film stability, blink quality, and meibomian gland function.
Blink Mechanics and Dry Eye
DMSt uses moving electrodes, which allow eyelid muscles and nerves to recover between stimulations. The review notes that this may reduce muscle fatigue and potentially improve treatment effectiveness.
The paper also highlights findings from a clinical study led by James Chelnis, MD, FACS, of Manhattan Face & Eye. That study evaluated dynamic muscle stimulation in patients with DED and eyelid laxity.
Researchers reported that lower eyelid laxity was reduced by more than 50% on average. Patients also reported improvements in eyelid appearance and blink quality, along with reductions in several dry eye signs and symptoms.
Looking Ahead
According to Dr. Donaldson, an important takeaway from this review is that DED is not just a tear film or inflammatory disorder— it can also be a blink mechanics disorder. “DMSt is especially interesting because it bridges ocular surface management and periocular rehabilitation—offering a nonsurgical way to improve lid tone, reduce laxity, and enhance blink quality in patients whose disease is at least partly mechanical in origin,” she says.
Dr. Donaldson notes that broad adoption of DMSt as a DED treatment may depend on increasing clinician awareness, integrating it into workflows, and building confidence in the evidence base. “Many providers do not formally evaluate blink quality or lid laxity during a routine exam, so part of the work ahead is helping eye care professionals recognize which patients are most likely to benefit,” she says.