Method and apparatus for treating meibomian gland dysfunction
First Claim
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1. A method of treating dry eye in humans wherein a flow of naturally occurring secretion to an eye is occluded due to the presence of an obstruction located within a meibomian gland channel of a meibomian gland of an eyelid and comprising:
- lifting the eyelid away from the eye;
softening the obstruction located within the meibomian gland channel of the meibomian gland; and
applying a regulated force to the eyelid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for treating gland dysfunction caused by gland obstruction in order to restore the natural flow of secretion from the gland comprises the application of a combination of energy, suction, vibration, heat, aspiration, chemical agents and pharmacological agents to loosen and thereafter remove the obstructive material.
181 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method of treating dry eye in humans wherein a flow of naturally occurring secretion to an eye is occluded due to the presence of an obstruction located within a meibomian gland channel of a meibomian gland of an eyelid and comprising:
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lifting the eyelid away from the eye; softening the obstruction located within the meibomian gland channel of the meibomian gland; and applying a regulated force to the eyelid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of treating dry eye in humans wherein a flow of naturally occurring secretion to an eye is occluded due to the presence of an obstruction located within a meibomian gland channel of a meibomian gland in an eyelid and comprising:
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lifting the eyelid away from the eye; softening the obstruction located within the meibomian gland channel of the meibomian gland through an application of thermal energy to heat the obstruction to a temperature sufficient to turn the obstruction from a solid to a flowable state; and applying a regulated force to the eyelid. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of treating dry eye in humans wherein a flow of naturally occurring secretion to an eye is occluded due to the presence of an obstruction located within a meibomian gland channel of a meibomian gland in an eyelid:
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coupling a device to the eyelid; softening the obstruction located within the meibomian gland channel of the meibomian gland with regulated heat; and applying a regulated force and heat via the device to the eyelid. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification