Jordan W. Hutchinson;John Martin Jans;Keith Gausmann;Stephen M. Grenon
发明人:
Stephen M. Grenon,John Martin Jans,Jordan W. Hutchinson,Keith Gausmann
申请号：
US12015600
公开号：
US09314369B2
申请日:
2008.01.17
申请国别(地区):
US
年份:
2016
代理人:
摘要：
A system for treating meibomian gland dysfunction. A controller controls a lid warmer attached onto a patient's eye to generate heat on the inside 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. Temperatures at the meibomian glands reach desired levels more quickly and efficiently when heating the inside of the eyelid. Reaching such higher temperature levels may be instrumental in removing obstructions in the meibomian glands. Less time may also be required to reach desired temperature levels when applying heat to the inside of the eyelid. An eyecup may be employed to generate a force on the outside of the patient's eyelid 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.
