System for outer eyelid heat and pressure treatment for treating meibomian gland dysfunction
US8128674B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 17, 2008 |
| Grant date | Mar 6, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N7/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for treating meibomian gland dysfunction. A controller controls heat applied to the outside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force is also applied to the outside of the patient's eyelid during the application of heat to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the eyelid that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions or occlusions. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands while reducing the amount of time to reach desired temperature levels and/or aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.