Melting meibomian gland obstructions

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.

1 . An apparatus that provides regulated heat for treatment of a mammalian eyelid, comprising: 
 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.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor that senses temperature and provides temperature information to the temperature regulator.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the eyelid interfacing mechanism comprises goggles that are adjustably coupled to the heater unit in order to move the heater unit to achieve contact with the eyelid.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the goggles are adjustably coupled to the heater unit by a threaded connection so that a position of the heater unit can be adjusted by a threading action.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the heater unit further comprises a thermal heat sink, coupled to a surface of the heating element in order to transfer heat from the heating element to the eyelid.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the thermal heat sink is selected from the group consisting of a thermally conductive rubber member, a thermally conductive silicon member, an encapsulated fluid containing member, and a solid conductive member.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein one of a thermally conductive gel, cream or liquid is placed between the heat sink and the eyelid to enhance thermal conduction from the thermal heat sink to the eyelid.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the heater unit further comprises an insulator coupled to a surface of the heating element in order to reduce heat loss from the heating unit in a direction other than a direction toward the eyelid.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the thermal insulator is selected from the group consisting of a non-thermally conductive foam element, a non-thermally conductive rubber element, and a non-thermally conductive solid element.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the temperature regulator applies a pulse width modulated electrical signal to the heating element in order to regulate the heat produced thereby.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 10 , further comprising a control processor and wherein the pulse width modulated electrical signal is produced under control of the control processor.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the temperature regulator comprises a switch that selectively applies the electrical signal to the heating element in order to regulate the heat produced thereby.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , comprising a control processor and wherein the electrical signal comprises at least one of a current and a voltage that is selectively applied to the heating element under control of the control processor.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the temperature regulator supplies a fixed continuous power to the heater element.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the heater unit has a flexible portion that contacts the eyelid in order to conform to the eyelid.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the heater unit has a rigid portion that contacts the eyelid, and wherein the rigid portion is shaped to conform to the shape of the eyelid.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the heater unit further comprises an adhesive for attaching the heater unit directly to the eyelid.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the heater unit is attached to the eyelid by use of adhesive tape.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a user interface that permits a user to establish at least one of a time and a temperature for the treatment.  
     
     
         20 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , 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.  
     
     
         21 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the specified temperature range is greater than 37° C.  
     
     
         22 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the specified temperature range is between 44° C. and 47° C.  
     
     
         23 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the specified temperature range comprises a range of temperatures surrounding about 45° C.  
     
     
         24 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a timer that shuts off the signal to the heater element after a specified treatment time.  
     
     
         25 . The apparatus according to  claim 24 , wherein the specified treatment time is approximately 10 to 60 minutes.  
     
     
         26 . The apparatus according to  claim 24 , wherein the specified treatment time is greater than 10 minutes.  
     
     
         27 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a pressure sensor that measures a pressure with which the heater unit is applied to the eyelid.  
     
     
         28 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the eyelid interface mechanism is disposable.  
     
     
         29 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising an adjustment which sets the amount of pressure the heater applies to the eye lid.  
     
     
         30 . An apparatus that provides regulated heat to at least one of a patient's eyelids, comprising: 
 a heater unit having: 
 a heating element having first and second surfaces that produces heat when an electrical signal is applied thereto;  
 a thermal heat sink, coupled to the first surface of the heating element in order to transfer heat from the heating element to the eyelid;  
 an insulator coupled to the second surface of the heating element in order to reduce heat loss from the second surface; and  
 a back plate that couples to the insulator;  
   a temperature regulator that applies the electrical signal to the heating element in order to achieve heating of the heating elements to a specified temperature range;    goggles suitable for attaching to the patient's head and covering the eyelid of the patient with a lenspiece, the lenspiece having a threaded aperture therein; and    a threaded shaft passing through the threaded lenspiece and coupled to the heater unit at the back plate so that the heater unit can be moved into contact with the eyelid by screwing the shaft into the aperture until contact with the eyelid is achieved.    
     
     
         31 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , further comprising a sensor that senses temperature and provides temperature information to the temperature regulator.  
     
     
         32 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , further comprising a pressure sensor that measures a pressure with which the heater unit contacts the eyelid.  
     
     
         33 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , wherein the thermal heat sink is selected from the group consisting of a thermally conductive rubber member, a thermally conductive silicon member, an encapsulated fluid containing member, and a solid conductive member.  
     
     
         34 . The apparatus according to  claim 31 , wherein one of a thermally conductive gel, cream or liquid is used to enhance thermal conduction from the thermal heat sink to the eyelid.  
     
     
         35 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , wherein the insulator is selected from the group consisting of a non-thermally conductive foam element, a non-thermally conductive rubber element, and a non-thermally conductive solid element.  
     
     
         36 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , wherein the temperature regulator applies a pulse width modulated signal to the heating element in order to regulate the heat produced thereby.  
     
     
         37 . The apparatus according to  claim 36 , further comprising a control processor and wherein the pulse width modulated signal is produced under control of the control processor.  
     
     
         38 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , wherein the temperature regulator comprises a switch that selectively applies the electrical signal to the heating element in order to regulate the heat produced thereby.  
     
     
         39 . The apparatus according to  claim 3 , comprising a control processor and wherein at least one of a current and a voltage is applied to the heating element under control of the control processor.  
     
     
         40 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , wherein the temperature regulator supplies a fixed continuous power to the heater element.  
     
     
         41 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , wherein the heater unit has a flexible portion that contacts the eyelid in order to conform to the eyelid.  
     
     
         42 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , wherein the heater unit has a rigid portion that contacts the eyelid, and wherein the rigid portion is shaped to conform to the shape of the eyelid.  
     
     
         43 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , further comprising a user interface that permits a user to establish at least one of a time and a temperature for the treatment.  
     
     
         44 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , further comprising a vibration generator that generates vibration of the eyelid to stimulate secretion from the meibomian glands.  
     
     
         45 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , wherein the specified temperature range is greater than 37° C.  
     
     
         46 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , wherein the specified temperature range comprises a range of temperatures surrounding about 45° C.  
     
     
         47 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , further comprising a timer that shuts off the signal to the heater element after a specified treatment time.  
     
     
         48 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , wherein the specified treatment time is approximately 10 to 60 minutes.  
     
     
         49 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , wherein the heating element comprises a resistive heating element.  
     
     
         50 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , where in a portion of the eyelid interface mechanism is disposable.  
     
     
         51 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , further comprising an adjustment which sets an amount of pressure the heater applies to the eyelid meibomian glands.  
     
     
         52 . An apparatus that provides regulated heat to at least one of a patient's eyelids, comprising: 
 a heater unit having a resistive heating element that produces heat that is transferred to the patient's eyelid when an electrical signal is applied thereto; and    a temperature regulator that applies the electrical signal to the heating elements in order to achieve heating of the heating elements to a specified temperature range.    
     
     
         53 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , further comprising a thermal heat sink, coupled to a surface of the resistive heating element in order to transfer heat from the resistive heating element to the eyelid.  
     
     
         54 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , further comprising an insulator coupled to a surface of the resistive heating element in order to reduce heat loss from the surface.  
     
     
         55 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , further comprising goggles that are adjustably coupled to the heater unit in order to move the heater unit to achieve contact with the eyelid.  
     
     
         56 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , further comprising a thermal heat sink, coupled to a surface of the resistive heating element in order to transfer heat from the heating element to the eyelid.  
     
     
         57 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , further comprising an insulator coupled to a surface of the resistive heating element in order to reduce heat loss from a surface of the heating element.  
     
     
         58 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , wherein the temperature regulator applies a pulse width modulated electrical signal to the resistive heating element in order to regulate the heat produced thereby.  
     
     
         59 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , wherein the temperature regulator comprises a switch that selectively applies at least one of an electrical current and an electrical voltage to the resistive heating element in order to regulate the heat produced thereby.  
     
     
         60 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , comprising a control processor and wherein the electrical signal is applied under control of the control processor.  
     
     
         61 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , wherein the heater unit has a flexible portion that contacts the eyelid in order to conform to the eyelid.  
     
     
         62 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , wherein the heater unit has a rigid portion that contacts the eyelid, and wherein the rigid portion is shaped to conform to the shape of the eyelid.  
     
     
         63 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , further comprising an adhesive for attaching the heater unit directly to the eyelid.  
     
     
         64 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , wherein the heater unit is attached to the eyelid by use of adhesive tape.  
     
     
         65 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , further comprising a user interface that permits a user to establish at least one of a time and a temperature for the treatment.  
     
     
         66 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , further comprising a vibration generator that generates vibration of the eyelid to stimulate secretion from the meibomian glands.  
     
     
         67 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , further comprising goggles suitable for attaching to the patient's head and covering the eyelid of the patient with a lenspiece, and wherein the heater unit is moveably attached to the lenspiece.  
     
     
         68 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , wherein the specified temperature range is greater than 37° C.  
     
     
         69 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , wherein the specified temperature range comprises a approximately 44-47° C.  
     
     
         70 . The apparatus according to  claim 53 , further comprising a timer that shuts off the current to the heater element after a specified treatment time.  
     
     
         71 . The apparatus according to  claim 70 , wherein the specified treatment time is approximately 10 to 60 minutes.  
     
     
         72 . The apparatus according to  claim 70 , wherein the specified treatment time is approximately 15 minutes.  
     
     
         73 . The apparatus according to  claim 52 , further comprising a pressure sensor that measures a pressure with which the heater unit contacts the eyelid.  
     
     
         74 . A method of treating at least one of a patient's eyelids with a regulated heat, comprising: 
 placing a heating unit having a heating element in contact with the patient's eyelid; and    applying a control signal to the heating element to generate heat at the heating element and transfer the generated heat to the eyelid for a prescribed time period.    
     
     
         75 . The method according to  claim 74 , further comprising, removing the control signal after expiration of the prescribed time period.  
     
     
         76 . The method according to  claim 74 , wherein the placing comprises: 
 installing goggles on the patient, the goggles having an adjustable eye interface containing the heating element; and    adjusting the eye interface to achieve contact with the eyelid.    
     
     
         77 . The method according to  claim 74 , wherein the placing comprises taping the eyepiece to the patient's eyelid using a strip of adhesive tape.  
     
     
         78 . The method according to  claim 74  wherein the placing comprises attaching the eyepiece to the patient's eyelid using a double-sided medical adhesive tape.  
     
     
         79 . The method according to  claim 74 , wherein the attaching comprises attaching the eyepiece to the eyelid using an adhesive attachment.  
     
     
         80 . The method according to  claim 74 , wherein the heat is generated to greater than 37° Celsius.  
     
     
         81 . The method according to  claim 74 , further comprising applying vibration to the patient's eyelid.  
     
     
         82 . The method according to  claim 74 , wherein the prescribed time period is approximately 10 to 60 minutes.  
     
     
         83 . The method according to  claim 74 , applied to both upper and lower eyelids of the patient.  
     
     
         84 . The method according to  claim 74 , applied to at least one eyelid of two eyes of the patient.  
     
     
         85 . The method according to  claim 74 , further comprising measuring a pressure with which the heating unit contacts the eyelid.  
     
     
         86 . The method according to  claim 74 , wherein the heating element comprises a resistive heating element.  
     
     
         87 . A computer readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a programmed processor, carry out the method according to  claim 74 .  
     
     
         88 . A method of treating a mammalian eyelid, comprising heating the eyelid and maintaining a prescribed temperature for at least 4 minutes and no more than 60 minutes, while simultaneously applying mechanical energy and pressure to the eyelid.  
     
     
         89 . A method of treating at least one mammalian eyelid, comprising applying continuous regulated heat to the at least one mammalian eyelid for a duration no longer than 60 minutes and applying a force to the eyelid during heating or within 3 minutes following heating for the purpose of clearing meibomian gland obstructions.  
     
     
         90 . An apparatus for providing the controlled application of heat to the eyelid of a mammal comprising: 
 a heater unit having a means to produce heat in a specified temperature range;    an eyelid interfacing mechanism that couples the heater unit into contact with the eyelid; and    a means for adjusting the contact of the heater unit with the eyelid.