Methods and systems for treating meibomian gland dysfunction using radio-frequency energy

Abstract

A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction is disclosed. The method includes directing RF energy to an internal portion of a meibomian gland, selectively targeting an obstruction within a duct of the meibomian gland with the applied RF energy to melt, loosen, or soften the obstruction, and expressing the obstruction from the duct of the meibomian gland. An apparatus for treating meibomian gland dysfunction is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one RF electrode configured to direct RF energy to an internal portion of a meibomian gland located in an eyelid of an eye, the at least one RF electrode further configured to selectively target an obstruction within a duct of the meibomian gland with the applied RF energy to melt, loosen, or soften the obstruction. The apparatus also comprises at least one expressor configured to express the obstruction from the duct of the meibomian gland.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction, comprising the steps of:
 positioning a first RF electrode proximate an inner surface of an eyelid containing at least one meibomian gland;   positioning a second RF electrode proximate an external surface of the eyelid;   directing RF energy via at least one of the first RF electrode and the second RF electrode to an internal portion of a meibomian gland;   selectively targeting an obstruction within a duct of the meibomian gland with the applied RF energy to melt, loosen, or soften the obstruction; and   expressing the obstruction from the duct of the meibomian gland.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising directing the RF energy until an increase in thermal energy occurs at the obstruction in the duct. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the selectively targeting further comprises directing RF energy waveforms such the RF energy waveforms are absorbed preferentially by energy absorbing cellular fluids, saline or lipid containing materials found in the duct of the meibomian gland. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the selectively targeting further comprises directing RF energy at a predetermined depth in the meibomian gland. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the applied RF energy causes contents within the duct of the meibomian gland to be heated to between 37 and 45 degrees Celsius. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising controlling the amount of RF energy applied to an internal portion of a meibomian gland. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the controlling further comprises directing an amount of RF energy sufficient to selectively heat contents within the duct of the meibomian gland to a known temperature. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising adjusting a power and/or a duration of the RF energy. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising adjusting a shape of a waveform of the RF energy. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing pulsed waveforms of RF energy. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , further adjusting a shape of an RF electrode that applies the RF energy. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising monitoring a temperature at a surface of the eyelid. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus for treating meibomian gland dysfunction comprising:
 a first RF electrode configured to be positioned proximate an inner surface of an eyelid containing at least one meibomian gland;   a second RF electrode configured to be positioned proximate an external surface of the eyelid;   an energy delivery source configured to direct RF energy via at least one of the first RF electrode and second RF electrode to an internal portion of a meibomian gland to selectively target an obstruction within a duct of the meibomian gland with the applied RF energy to melt, loosen, or soften the obstruction; and   at least one expressor configured to express the obstruction from the duct of the meibomian gland.   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising an eyecup configured to prevent RF energy from being delivered to sensitive structures of an eye. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the eyecup further comprises an inner sandwich. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the eyecup further comprises a conductive plate on the eyecup. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein at least a portion of the eyecup is used as a backplate for expression of the obstruction. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising an aspiration means. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , further comprising at least one gutter structure disposed on the eyecup. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising an insulator. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising a cooling mechanism. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising a spacer configured to keep the at least one RF electrode from touching an eyelid. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the first RF electrode and the second RF electrode is used as a backplate for expression of the obstruction. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the first RF electrode and the second RF electrode is adjustable to express the obstruction. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one expressor comprises a roller. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising an aspiration means configured to be positioned on an inner eyelid surface to help express the obstruction from the duct of the meibomian gland. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising a means for applying vibrational or ultrasonic energy to loosen the obstruction from the duct of the meibomian gland. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising an energy generator configured to direct RF energy via both the first RF electrode and the second RF electrode to an internal portion of a meibomian gland to selectively target an obstruction within a duct of the meibomian gland with the applied RF energy to melt, loosen, or soften the obstruction. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , further comprising a conduit operably connected to the aspiration means that is configured withdraw expressed material from the glands. 
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , further comprising a mesh screen positioned at one or more orifices of the meibomian gland through which the aspiration means extracts the obstructions from within the duct of the meibomian gland. 
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the at least one gutter structure focuses a vacuum or aspiration force provided by an aspiration means. 
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the at least gutter structure is further configured to facilitate drug delivery. 
     
     
         33 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein the conduit is further configured to deliver fluid intermittently to the eyelid to help improve transport of the expressed obstructions. 
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein the conduit is further configured to administer a topical agents and/or drugs to the meibomian glands.