Nasal stimulation devices and methods for treating dry eye

Abstract

Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.

1 . A method for treating meibomian gland dysfunction, comprising:
 delivering an electrical stimulus via an electrode to treat meibomian gland dysfunction in a patient in need thereof,   wherein the electrode is in contact with nasal tissue of the patient during delivery of the electrical stimulus.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the nasal tissue is external nasal tissue. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the nasal tissue is nasal mucosa. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the nasal mucosa is adjacent to the nasal septum. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the electrode is a hydrogel electrode. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the electrode is electrically connected to a control subsystem configured to control the electrical stimulus delivered via the electrode. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the electrode is positioned on a stimulator probe and the control subsystem is positioned in a stimulator body, and wherein the stimulator probe is releasably connected to the stimulator body. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical stimulus is a biphasic pulse waveform. 
     
     
         9 . A method of treating dry eye, comprising:
 delivering an electrical stimulus to external nasal tissue of a subject to improve dysfunction of the Meibomian glands of the subject,   wherein the electrical stimulus is delivered by an electrode of a stimulator comprising a control subsystem to control the electrical stimulus.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the electrical stimulus is pulsed. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the electrical stimulus is delivered at least once daily during a treatment period. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the electrical stimulus is a biphasic pulse waveform. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the biphasic pulse waveform is symmetrical. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the waveform has a varying peak to peak amplitude. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the waveform has a varying frequency. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the stimulator is configured to be hand held. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein delivering the electrical stimulus to external nasal tissue activates the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve.