INNER EYELID TREATMENT FOR TREATING MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION
First Claim
1. A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction, comprising the steps of:
- applying heat to an inner surface of a patient'"'"'s eyelid to a temperature level to melt, loosen, or soften an obstruction in a meibomian gland; and
maintaining the heat for a period of time.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction. Heat is applied to 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. A force may also be applied to 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.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction, comprising the steps of:
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applying heat to an inner surface of a patient'"'"'s eyelid to a temperature level to melt, loosen, or soften an obstruction in a meibomian gland; and
maintaining the heat for a period of time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification