System for outer eyelid heat and pressure treatment for treating meibomian gland dysfunction
US8617229B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 2012 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N7/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for treating meibomian gland dysfunction comprising a heating element that applies heat to the outside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands, which 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 application device may also apply force to 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, and to help express obstructions from the meibomian gland, including from a channel of the meibomian gland. 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.