Systems and methods for the treatment of eye conditions

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices used to treat eyelids, meibomian glands, ducts, and surrounding tissue are described herein. In some embodiments, an eye treatment device is disclosed, which includes a scleral shield positionable proximate an inner surface of an eyelid, the scleral shield being made of, or coated with, an energy-absorbing material activated by a light energy, and an energy transducer positionable outside of the eyelid, the energy transducer configured to provide light energy at one or more wavelengths, including a first wavelength selected to heat the energy-absorbing material. Wherein, when the eyelid is positioned between the energy transducer and the scleral shield, the light energy from the energy transducer and the heated energy-absorbing material of the scleral shield conductively heats a target tissue region sufficiently to melt meibum within meibomian glands located within or adjacent to the target tissue region.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for treating a mammalian eye having an eyelid, comprising:
 an energy transducer having a device that emits light energy at multiple wavelengths, including a first wavelength selected to pass through eyelid and a second wavelength selected to be absorbed by the eyelid for warming;   a frontplate positionable proximate an outer surface of the eyelid, the frontplate being made of a clear material that passes the wavelengths of light emitted by the energy transducer, the frontplate further comprising sensors configured to provide information regarding a position of the eyelid relative to the frontplate;   a backplate positionable proximate an inner surface of the eyelid, the backplate being made of or coated with an energy-reflecting material configured to receive the first wavelength of light energy transmitted through the eyelid and reflect it back to the eyelid, the backplate further comprising sensors configured to provide information regarding a position of the eyelid relative to the frontplate; and   wherein when the eyelid is positioned between the frontplate and backplate and the light energy from the energy transducer heats a target tissue region sufficiently to melt meibum within meibomian glands located within or adjacent to the target tissue region.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an actuator coupled to the frontplate and backplate configured to cause relative movement between the frontplate and backplate to squeeze the eyelid to express the meibomian glands. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the actuator is further configured to control the amount of light energy emitted from the energy transducer at the second wavelength, thereby controlling the heating of the target tissue. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the energy transducer is further configured to provide light energy at a third wavelength selected to treat bacteria. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a visualization device for viewing the eyelid during treatment. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the energy transducer comprises at least one of an LED, laser, incandescent lamp, xenon lamp, halogen lamp, luminescent lamp, high-intensity discharge lamp, and gas discharge lamp. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more components selected from the group consisting of: a display or dashboard configured to display the device status; a temperature measurement device configured to measure various temperatures of the eyelid, including inner and/or outer eyelid surface temperatures; a datalogger; a voice recorder; a battery configured to power the device components; battery charging means; a controller; printed circuit board; and communication circuitry between shield and energy transducer. 
     
     
         8 . A method for treating an eye condition in a mammal, comprising:
 positioning a shield proximate an inner surface of an eyelid, the shield being made of, or coated with, an energy-absorbing material, the shield further comprising sensors configured to provide information regarding a position of the eyelid relative to the shield;   positioning an energy transducer outside of an eyelid of the mammal, the energy transducer configured to provide light energy at one or more wavelengths;   positioning an energy transmission surface outside the eyelid, the energy transmission surface comprising sensors configured to provide information regarding a position of the eyelid relative to the energy transmission surface;   causing relative movement between the energy transmission surface and the shield so as to modify a spaced relationship between the energy transmission surface and the shield;   directing light energy from the energy transducer toward the shield at a first wavelength selected to heat the energy-absorbing material; and   heating the energy-absorbing material with the light energy to heat a target tissue region sufficiently to melt meibum within meibomian glands located within or adjacent to the target tissue region.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising directing light energy from the energy transducer toward an outer surface of the eyelid at a second wavelength selected to heat a target tissue region within the eyelid. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising directing light energy from the energy transducer toward the eye at a third wavelength selected to treat bacteria. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising compressing the eyelid between the energy transmission surface and the shield. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising focusing the compression on a sty or a pimple to treat a hordeolum. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising focusing the compression on an occluded gland to treat a chalazion. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein a safety feature electrically coupled to the energy transducer prevents or interrupts the light energy from occurring if the shield and associated assembly are not properly attached to, and aligned with, the device. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the actuator is at least one of a lever, a button, a wheel, a slider, and a switch. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the relative movement between the energy transmission surface and the shield comprises movement of the energy transmission surface relative to the shield. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the relative movement between the energy transmission surface and the shield comprises a sliding movement of the energy transmission surface relative to the shield. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein causing relative movement between the energy transmission surface and the shield comprises actuating an actuator coupled to the energy transmission surface. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein actuating an actuator comprises pressing a button. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein causing relative movement between the energy transmission surface and the shield comprises causing the energy transmission surface to slide relative to the shield. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the position of the eyelid relative to the positions of the shield and the energy transducing surface must be within a predetermined range for the energy transducer to emit light energy.