MELTING MEIBOMIAN GLAND OBSTRUCTIONS
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Abstract
Consistent with certain embodiments, an apparatus provides regulated heat to at least one of a patient'"'"'s eyelids, using a heater unit having a heating element that produces heat that is transferred to the patient'"'"'s eyelid when an electrical signal is applied thereto. A temperature regulator applies an electrical signal to the heating elements in order to achieve heating of the heating elements to a specified temperature range. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
130 Citations
53 Claims
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1-29. -29. (canceled)
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30. An apparatus that provides regulated heat for treatment of a mammalian eyelid, comprising:
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a heater unit having a heating element that produces heat when electrical signal is applied thereto;
a temperature regulator that applies the electrical signal to the heating element in order to achieve heating of the heating element to a specified temperature range; and
an eyelid interfacing mechanism that couples the heater unit into contact with the eyelid to achieve regulated heating of the eyelid within the specified temperature range. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53)
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46-1. The apparatus according to claim 30, further comprising a mechanical energy generator that generates a force on the eyelid to stimulate secretion from the meibomian glands, wherein the generator imparts mechanical energy to the eyelid having both an amplitude and frequency.
Specification