MEIBOMIAN GLAND ROLLER

• US 20160317379A1
• Filed: 04/29/2016
• Published: 11/03/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lillie A. Mosaddegh
• Original Assignee: Lillie A. Mosaddegh
• Inventors: Mosaddegh, Lillie A.
• Granted Patent: US 11,103,417 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0004 Eyes or part of the face surrounding the eyes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0078 with a battery
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0087 Hand-held applicators
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0095 with a temperature indicator
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/007 characterised by electric heating
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 15/0092 hand-held A61H15/0085 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 15/02 adapted for simultaneous treatment with light, heat or drugs
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2015/0014 cylinder-like, i.e. rollers
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0207 heated
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0221 Mechanism for heating or cooling
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0228 heated by an electric resistance element
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0257 by a heat accumulator, e.g. a sand or liquid reservoir
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/10 with further special therapeutic means, e.g. electrotherapy, magneto therapy or radiation therapy, chromo therapy, infrared or ultraviolet therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5082 Temperature sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2205/024 Eyes

Abstract

A Meibomian Gland Roller system allows for self-administered the treatment for a leading cause of dry eyes, namely, tear film oil deficiency. The system combines an effective and safe technique to combine mechanical rolling pressure with heat for meibomian gland drainage. The rolling action of the roller cylinder combined with the roller head to increase effectiveness in etnpting inspissated meibomian glands. The roller allows the patient to safely start the application of the pressure at the bottom of the glands and effectively roll open clogged oil glands. The washable roller keeps the head clean for long term use. A preheated eye-shaped soft gel pad can prepare the lids before the roller tip is applied by heating and softening the meibomian gland contents, allowing the roller to have a more effective action to induce mechanical extraction of the gland content.

Claims

1. A roller, comprising:

a cylinder and an axel, about which the cylinder can rotate, including a heating element, the cylinder configured to roll over and apply pressure to an eyelid of a user;

a handle, including a power source; and

arms by which the axel is held to the handle and by which power is supplied from the power source to the heating element.

2. The roller of claim 1, wherein the cylinder and axel further include a temperature sensor whereby the temperature of the cylinder from the heating element is regulated.

3. The roller of claim 2, wherein the temperature sensor is part of the axel.

4. The roller of claim 2, wherein the temperature sensor is part of the cylinder.

5. The roller of claim 1, wherein the heating eh art of the axel

6. The roller of claim 1, wherein the heating element is part of the cylinder.

7. The roller of claim 1, wherein the cylinder is formed from a metal substance.

8. The roller of claim 1, wherein the cylinder is replaceable.

9. The roller of claim 1, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery.

10. The roller of claim 9, wherein the handle includes a connector whereby the battery is rechargeable.

11. The roller of claim 9, wherein the handle includes an inductance whereby the battery is wirelessly rechargeable.

12. The roller of claim 11, wherein the handle includes an indicator light for the temperature of the roller.

13. The roller of claim 1, wherein the width of the cylinder is in the 1-2 cm range.

14. The roller of claim 1, wherein the handle is connectable to a smartphone to receive power and/or be controller by an application on the smartphone.

15. A method, comprising:

warming a cylinder of a roller, the roller having a handle and arms by which the cylinder is attached to the handle;

applying by a user of pressure to an eyelid of the user by the warmed cylinder; and

rolling by the user of the warmed roller across the user'"'"'s eyelid to express a meibomian gland thereof.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

prior to applying by the user of pressure to user'"'"'s eyelid the warmed cylinder;

warming a gel eye pad;

applying the warmed gel eye pad to the user'"'"'s eye lid; and

subsequently removing the gel eye pad from the user'"'"'s eye lid.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

subsequently washing away expressed meibomian gland debris.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the roller of the cylinder is self-warming.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein warming the cylinder of the roller includes warming the roller to a temperature of 42 to 45 degrees Celsius.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein warming the cylinder of the roller is performed in response to smartphone application.