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Method and apparatus for treating meibomian gland dysfunction

  • US 8,083,787 B2
  • Filed: 05/15/2006
  • Issued: 12/27/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/18/2005
  • Status: Active Grant
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 a presence of an obstruction in a meibomian gland in an eyelid and comprising the steps of:

  • lifting the eyelid away from the eye;

    softening the obstruction through an application of thermal energy to heat the obstruction to a temperature of between about 37°

    C. and about 47°

    C.; and

    gripping the eyelid between a back plate and a force applicator such that a regulated force is applied to the eyelid to express the softened obstruction from the meibomian gland.

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