Donald R. Korb,Stephen M. Grenon,Timothy R. Willis,John Martin Jans
申请号：
US13368976
公开号：
US20120143102A1
申请日:
2012.02.08
申请国别(地区):
US
年份:
2012
代理人:
摘要：
A system for treating meibomian gland dysfunction. A controller controls heat applied to the tissue proximate the patients meibomian glands 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 tissue proximate the patients meibomian glands during the application of heat to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in tissue 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. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands. Reducing the amount of time to reached desired temperature levels an aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.
