Systems and methods for the treatment of eye conditions
First Claim
1. A device for treating a mammalian eye having an eyelid, comprising:
- a shield formed of a plate positionable proximate an inner surface of an eyelid, the shield including an energy-reflecting material that reflects light energy;
an energy transducer having a device that emits light energy, the energy transducer positionable outside of the eyelid when the shield is positioned proximate the inner surface of the eyelid, wherein the energy transducer provides light energy toward the energy-reflecting material at one or more wavelengths, including a first wavelength selected to at least partially pass through the eyelid to the shield and at least partially reflect back toward a target tissue region from the shield; and
an energy transmission surface positioned in a spaced relationship with the shield;
a housing, wherein the shield, the energy transducer, and the energy transmission surface are mechanically coupled to the housing;
an actuator coupled to the housing, wherein actuation of the actuator causes relative movement between the energy transmission surface and the shield so as to modify the spaced relationship;
wherein when the eyelid is positioned between the energy transducer and the shield, the light energy from the energy transducer passes through the eyelid and reflects off the shield.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems, methods, and devices used to treat eyelids, meibomian glands, ducts, and surrounding tissue are described herein. In some embodiments, an eye treatment device is disclosed, which includes a scleral shield positionable proximate an inner surface of an eyelid, the scleral shield being made of, or coated with, an energy-absorbing material activated by a light energy, and an energy transducer positionable outside of the eyelid, the energy transducer configured to provide light energy at one or more wavelengths, including a first wavelength selected to heat the energy-absorbing material. Wherein, when the eyelid is positioned between the energy transducer and the scleral shield, the light energy from the energy transducer and the heated energy-absorbing material of the scleral shield conductively heats a target tissue region sufficiently to melt meibum within meibomian glands located within or adjacent to the target tissue region.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A device for treating a mammalian eye having an eyelid, comprising:
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a shield formed of a plate positionable proximate an inner surface of an eyelid, the shield including an energy-reflecting material that reflects light energy; an energy transducer having a device that emits light energy, the energy transducer positionable outside of the eyelid when the shield is positioned proximate the inner surface of the eyelid, wherein the energy transducer provides light energy toward the energy-reflecting material at one or more wavelengths, including a first wavelength selected to at least partially pass through the eyelid to the shield and at least partially reflect back toward a target tissue region from the shield; and an energy transmission surface positioned in a spaced relationship with the shield; a housing, wherein the shield, the energy transducer, and the energy transmission surface are mechanically coupled to the housing; an actuator coupled to the housing, wherein actuation of the actuator causes relative movement between the energy transmission surface and the shield so as to modify the spaced relationship; wherein when the eyelid is positioned between the energy transducer and the shield, the light energy from the energy transducer passes through the eyelid and reflects off the shield. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for treating an eye condition in a mammal, comprising:
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positioning a shield proximate an inner surface of an eyelid, the shield including an energy reflecting material that reflects light energy; positioning an energy transducer outside of an eyelid of the mammal, the energy transducer configured to provide light energy at one or more wavelengths; positioning an energy transmission surface outside the eyelid; causing relative movement between the energy transmission surface and the shield so as to modify a spaced relationship between the energy transmission surface and the shield; directing light energy from the energy transducer toward the shield at a first wavelength selected to at least partially pass through the eyelid to the shield and at least partially reflect back toward a target tissue region from the shield; and heating a target tissue region sufficiently to melt meibum within meibomian glands located within or adjacent to the target tissue region. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification