METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR TREATMENT OF MEIBOMIAN GLANDS

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses of treating meibomian glands are disclosed. An apparatus suitable to treat meibomian glands comprises a heat source, a controller, and a pressure applicator. The heat source is configured to apply regulated heat to an eyelid containing at least one meibomian gland to reach a temperature adequate to melt at least one obstruction within the at least one meibomian gland and place the at least one obstruction in a melted state. The controller is configured to maintain the regulated heat for a time period adequate to melt the at least one obstruction and place the at least one obstruction in the melted state. The pressure applicator is configured to be placed into direct contact with the eyelid and apply a pressure over at least a portion of the eyelid to express the at least one obstruction from the at least one meibomian gland.

Claims

1. An apparatus for treating meibomian glands having a meibomian gland channel and a meibomian gland orifice at a top of the meibomian gland channel, comprising: a heat source configured to apply regulated heat to an eyelid containing at least one meibomian gland to reach a temperature adequate to melt at least one obstruction within the at least one meibomian gland and place the at least one obstruction in a melted state; a controller configured to maintain the regulated heat for a time period adequate to melt the at least one obstruction and place the at least one obstruction in the melted state; and a pressure applicator configured to be placed into direct contact with the eyelid and apply a pressure over at least a portion of the eyelid to express the at least one obstruction from the at least one meibomian gland.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one obstruction is located within the meibomian gland channel, and the heat source is configured to apply the regulated heat to reach a temperature adequate to melt the at least one obstruction located in the meibomian gland channel; the controller is configured to maintain the regulated heat for the time period adequate to place the at least one obstruction located in the meibomian gland channel in the melted state; and the pressure applicator is configured to apply a pressure to the meibomian gland channel to express the at least one obstruction from within the meibomian gland channel through the meibomain gland orifice.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the time period comprises approximately 10 to 60 minutes.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure applicator is at least partially heated.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat source is configured to apply the regulated heat until the temperature reaches approximately 45 degrees Celsius.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat source is configured to apply the regulated heat until the temperature reaches between approximately 44 and 47 degrees Celsius.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat source is configured to apply the regulated heat until the temperature is at least 37 degrees Celsius.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure applicator is further configured to apply the pressure within 3 minutes after an end of the time period.

9. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pressure applicator is further configured to milkingly express the melted at least one obstruction located within the meibomian gland channel from within the meibomian gland channel through the meibomian gland orifice of one or more of the meibomian glands.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the heat source and the controller is further configured to repeat the applying and maintaining of the regulated heat after a time interval to maintain flow of fluids from the meibomian glands.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the pressure applicator is further configured to repeat the applying of the pressure at the time interval to maintain the flow of fluids from the meibomian glands.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure applicator is further configured to apply mechanical energy stimulation to the eyelid.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure applicator is further configured to squeeze the eyelid and apply a constant compressive force to the eyelid.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure applicator is further configured to apply vibratory stimulation to the eyelid.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure applicator is further configured to apply a pulsating compressive force to the eyelid.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the heat source and the controller is configured to remove the applying of the regulated heat from the eyelid to allow the pressure applicator to apply the pressure to the meibomian glands.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat source is configured to apply the regulated heat to the meibomian gland channel of one or more of the meibomian glands during the applying of pressure to the one or more of the meibomian glands.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat source further comprises a heating element.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a thermal heat sink coupled to the heating element in order to transfer heat from the heating element to the eyelid.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the heat source further comprises an insulator coupled to the heating element in order to reduce heat loss.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising a back plate that couples to the insulator.

22. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat source is configured to apply light energy to the eyelid containing the at least one meibomian gland to reach the temperature adequate to melt the at least one obstruction within the at least one meibomian gland and place the at least one obstruction in a melted state.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Certain illustrative embodiments illustrating organization and method of operation, together with objects and advantages may be best understood by reference detailed description that follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 depicts upper and lower human eyelids showing the meibomian glands.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of an illustrative meibomian gland 20.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a cutaway view meibomian gland 20 illustrating several obstructed areas.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a graph of inner and outer surface temperatures of a patient's eyelid while the outer surface of the eyelid is heated to about 45 degrees C.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting a treatment process consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting another treatment process consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a system for clearing obstructed meibomian glands.

[0041] FIG. 7B is a broken away side view of the probe tip employed in the embodiment of FIG. 7A.

[0042] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the probe tip according to the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 8B is a broken away side view of the probe tip of FIG. 8A.

[0044] FIG. 8C is a broken away side view of the probe tip of FIGS. 7A and 8A in place on an eye lid.

[0045] FIG. 9 is broken away side view of an alternate for clearing obstructed meibomian glands according to the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 10A is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the probe tip having rollers for clearing obstructed meibomian glands according to the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 10B is a side view of another alternate embodiment of the probe tip having rollers for clearing obstructed meibomian glands according to the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a side view of another alternate embodiment of the probe tip having rollers for clearing obstructed meibomian glands according to the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a suction device for clearing glands according to the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 13 is a side view of another embodiment of the apparatus for clearing meibomian glands according to the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 14A is a schematic view of another embodiment of the apparatus for clearing meibomian glands according to the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 14B is an exploded view of the hand-held probe of the embodiment of FIG. 14A.

[0053] FIG. 14C is a side view of the hand-held probe of FIGS. 14A and 14B applying force to an eyelid.

[0054] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the meibomian gland treatment apparatus in the form of the hydro-oculator according to the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 15B is a side view of the hydro-oculator of FIG. 15A.

[0056] FIG. 15C is a schematic side view of the hydro-oculator according to the present invention in place against the lower eyelid.

[0057] FIG. 15D is a schematic side view of the hydro-oculator according to the present invention in place against the lower eyelid and showing the fluid filled bladder beginning to expand.

[0058] FIG. 15E is a schematic side view of the hydro-oculator according to the present invention in place against the lower eyelid and showing the fluid filled bladder in a further expanded state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example of the principles and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar or corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings.

[0060] The terms a or an, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term program or computer program or similar terms, as used herein, is defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A program, or computer program, may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, in an executable application, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system.

[0061] Reference throughout this document to one embodiment, certain embodiments, an embodiment or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.

[0062] The term or as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, A, B or C means any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; Band C; A, B and C. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

[0063] As noted above, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is known to be a major cause of dry eye syndrome. The disorder is characterized by a blockage of some sort within the meibomian glands preventing normal lipid secretions from flowing through the orifices and out of the glands to the tear film. Obstructions or occlusions of the meibomian glands may be present at the orifice of the gland, the main channel of the gland, or possibly in other locations including the main channel of the gland which may be narrowed or blocked. It has been theorized that the acini of the glands may have valves at their junction with the main channel of the gland, and that these valves may be obstructed in some instances-leading to reduced or blocked flow from the acini. These obstructions or occlusions may have various compositions.

[0064] Referring now to FIG. 1, the location of the meibomian glands 10 are shown on the upper and lower eyelids 12 and 14 respectively. As briefly stated herein above, the upper lid contains about 25 meibomian glands and the lower lid contains about 20 meibomian glands, with significant variation. As shown in cross-sectional view of one gland 10 in FIG. 2, each gland includes a central duct or channel 18 into which the secretion flows from acini 19 and an orifice 20 which opens on to the eyelid margin and through which the secretion flows in order to be added to the tear film upon blinking. It will be seen that the glands are of different size, depending upon the location in the eyelid and that the orifice 20 is narrower than the central duct 18.

[0065] Obstruction composition will vary with the etiology which produced it. However, the obstruction will, in most cases observed to the present, be a combination of, dead cells, bacteria, desquamated cells, and desquamated cells aggregating in keratotic clusters, milky fluid, inspissated or creamy secretions, or any combination of the foregoing in solid, semi-solid and thickened forms. Referring to FIG. 3, a simplified view of exemplary obstructions to gland 10 are depicted. In this example, which is by no means necessarily representative' of all meibomian gland obstructions, as explained above, a solid or semi-solid or thickened plug 24 is depicted which is fully occluding the orifice 20 of gland 10. Another obstruction 26 is shown at a junction from one of the acini with the central duct. As previously noted, this may be the site of a valve in the gland structure, but embodiments consistent with the present invention should not be limited by theories of the actual meibomian gland structure.

[0066] A number of treatment techniques have been proposed to restore these glands to normal functionality, but most doctors agree that heat is beneficial in treating MGD. Depending upon the nature of the obstruction, heat may be beneficial in actually melting or loosening the obstructing material or material binding solid particles to form the obstruction, permitting the gland to begin production and excretion of lipids and other fluids more freely. While the heat treatment methods described in the Background section hereof have been found to have many drawbacks, the heating techniques described in the above referenced copending applications have been found effective and beneficial. Generally speaking, these devices produce a regulated heating of the eyelid (as measured at the outer surface thereof) by direct contact with the eyelids to a therapeutic temperature of greater than 37 degrees Celsius, and more preferably between about 44 and 47 degrees Celsius with a target temperature of 45 degrees Celsius. However, other devices may be used which are placed proximate to the eyelids to provide heat to the meibomian glands.

[0067] The outside skin surface of the human eyelid has been observed to be approximately 1-2 degrees Celsius cooler than body temperature, with some variation. Increasing the temperature to at least 37 can begin to provide therapeutic effect for milder cases of MGD. One preferred range for treatment is 44 to 47 degrees Celsius, with a target of 45 degrees Celsius has been found effective and comfortable to the patient. In certain embodiments, the mechanical energy treating is carried out during or immediately after the end of the time period, and preferably with a heated instrument so as to maintain the more fluid state of the obstruction. Mechanical energy treatment can be carried out by any mechanism that induces mechanical pressures, including but not limited to vibratory, milking, mechanical pulsing pressure, squeezing and other actions to express fluids from the glands and/or dilate the duct or orifice of the meibomian gland. The mechanical energy can take any form that applies mechanical pressure on the meibomian glands to assist in pushing the blockage or obstruction out of the gland while the obstruction is softened by heat. Even higher temperatures (e.g., 50-55 degrees Celsius) can be used (or pulsed for short periods), especially if the eyelid has been anesthetized, in which case much hotter treatment for shorter time can be used without permanent injury to the patient. Generally, higher temperatures can be used for shorter periods of time. Moreover, the temperature and time used should be individualized based on the severity of the condition and the tolerance of the patient. It has been found that lighter skinned patients can generally tolerate less heat than darker skinned patients, and darker skinned patients tend to exhibit less inflammation as a result of exposure to the heat. Treatment times and/or temperature can be adjusted to account for these differences. Each of the above temperatures refers to the temperature as measured at the outer surface of the eyelid.

[0068] Also, in certain embodiments, the patient is more comfortable when the treatment begins at a lower temperature and the temperature is raised over time. Hence, the temperature should be regulated, where regulation should be interpreted to mean that the actual temperature applied at the outer surface of the eyelid is controlled or regulated in a manner that is repeatable. The temperature profile for heat application may be a constant temperature, or may have ramp-ups, ramp-downs, peaks, valleys, can be pulsed, or can be modulated with various characteristics, etc., but such profile should be regulated so as to be repeatable. It has also been found that modulating the temperature can result in a higher average temperature than a constant temperature, and may be useful in some applications.

[0069] This temperature can be maintained at a therapeutic temperature for a treatment period of approximately 10-60 minutes (or even beyond have been found safe and useful for some patients). Either during or after such treatment by controlled heat, mechanical expression of lipids and other fluids from the meibomian glands has been found to clear obstructions which have essentially melted or been placed in a suspension state (by virtue of melting materials binding solids together). The above applications disclose devices which generally apply a milking action to the eyelid to express the fluids or suspensions or to otherwise mechanically stimulate the movement of fluids from the glandssuch fluid now including melted or suspended materials causing the obstructions or occlusions. In some instances, just gentle continuous force applied to the eyelid will assist in expression of the fluids and suspensions, while in others vibration can be used simultaneously or immediately after the heating. For purposes of this document, the term melted is to be interpreted to be inclusive of states in which solid particles remain suspended within a liquid fluid.

[0070] In certain embodiments, such devices that apply regulated heating of the eyelids are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/434,054, filed May 15, 2006 and entitled Method and Apparatus for Treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction to Korb, et al and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/434,033, filed May 15, 2006 entitled Melting Meibomian Gland Obstructions, to Steve Grenon, et al. which are hereby incorporated by reference. In certain embodiments, that device utilizes a heater unit having a heating element that produces heat when an electrical signal is applied thereto. A temperature regulator applies the electrical signal to the heating element in order to achieve heating of the heating element to a specified temperature range. An eyelid interfacing mechanism couples the heater unit to the eyelid to achieve regulated heating of the eyelid within the specified temperature range.

[0071] Such a device provides regulated heating to a therapeutic temperature. Conventional hot compresses and the IR heating mechanisms described above background do not provide regulated controlled heating at a therapeutic temperature and are less effective than the regulated heat applied using the devices described in the above-referenced patent applications that are incorporated herein.

[0072] In another embodiment disclosed in this patent application, an apparatus that provides controlled heat to at least one of a patient's eyelids has a heater unit, and the 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 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 are provided with the lenspiece having a threaded aperture therein. A threaded shaft passes 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.

[0073] Many variations in these embodiments are possible including, but not limited to, providing a sensor that senses temperature and provides temperature information to the temperature regulator. In certain embodiment 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. The goggles may be 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. In certain embodiments, the heater unit has a thermal heat sink, coupled to a surface of the heating element in order to transfer heat from the heating element to the eyelid. The thermal heat sink may be, for example, at least one of a thermally conductive rubber member, a thermally conductive silicon member, an encapsulated fluid containing member, and a solid conductive member. A thermally conductive gel, cream or liquid can be placed between the heat sink and the eyelid to enhance thermal conduction from the thermal heat sink to the eyelid.

[0074] In certain embodiments, the heater unit may have 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. The thermal insulator may be one of a non-thermally conductive foam element, a non-thermally conductive rubber element, and a non-thermally conductive solid element in certain embodiments. The temperature regulator may apply a pulse width modulated electrical signal to the heating element in order to regulate the heat produced thereby, and the pulse width modulated electrical signal may be produced under control of the control processor.

[0075] In certain embodiments, the temperature regulator may incorporate a switch that selectively applies the electrical signal to the heating element in order to regulate the heat produced thereby. The electrical signal may be at least one of a current and a voltage that is selectively applied to the heating element under control of a control processor. The heater unit may have a flexible portion that contacts the eyelid in order to conform to the eyelid or may have a rigid portion that contacts the eyelid, and wherein the rigid portion is shaped to conform to the shape of the eyelid, or a combination thereof. The heater unit may have an adhesive for attaching the heater unit directly to the eyelid or may be attached to the eyelid by use of adhesive tape.

[0076] In certain embodiments, a user interface permits a user to establish at least one of a time and a temperature for the treatment. In certain embodiments, a vibration generator generates vibration of the eyelid to stimulate secretion from the meibomian glands, wherein the vibration generator may impart mechanical energy to the eyelid having both an amplitude and frequency.

[0077] Other heating and/or pressure inducing devices are disclosed in the above-referenced patent applications which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0078] Hence, in view of the above, either immediately after treatment with heat, or during such heat treatment, mechanical treatment using, for example, constant force, squeezing (e.g., by manual expression or otherwise), milking action or vibration can be applied to the eyelid to stimulate clearing of the fluids or suspensions from the meibomian glands. If mechanical treatment is carried out after heat treatment, it should be carried out immediately thereafter while the obstructive material of the meibomian gland is in a melted state.

[0079] Referring now to FIG. 4, a graph depicts the inner surface of an eyelid and an outer surface of an eyelid when a source of constant heat at about 45 degrees C. was applied to an example subject patient. It should be noted that the circulatory system attempts to regulate the temperature of the eyelid, and blood flow increases with the application of heat. For this patient, it took approximately 4 minutes for the eyelid's outer surface to reach about 45 degrees Celsius, and the inner surface of the eyelid never reached this temperaturepresumably because of the body's heat regulatory mechanisms. Hence, if a 45 degree constant heat source is used, it may take at least about 4 minutes to stabilize eyelid temperature and reach a therapeutic temperature.

[0080] It is also noted from this graph, that when the heat source is removed from the eyelid, the temperature drops very quickly to body temperature. In virtually all cases, this temperature will drop within 2-3 minutes, but more commonly, only about 30 seconds to 90 seconds are required for the patient's eyelid temperature to drop. In this example, the temperature dropped in temperature very quickly over the first thirty seconds after removal of the heat. During this short time period, some or all of the melted obstruction may re-solidify. Hence, if manual expression techniques are to be carried out subsequent to application of heat, the manual expression should follow immediately, or within about 90 secondswith shorter intervals being preferred, e.g., within 30 seconds, or in any event, prior to reversal of the effects of the application of the regulated heat source such that at least a portion of the occlusion is removed. It will thus be clear from this graph that prior techniques of using warm compresses may be substantially less effective if manual expression does not follow within an extremely short period of time. Moreover, if the compresses cool below a therapeutic level prior to manual expression, they may provide minimal benefit to a patient suffering from substantial obstruction.

[0081] It has been discovered that the problem with most pharmacological treatment modalities for dry eye syndrome is that the pharmacological agent is unable to affect MGD when the disorder involves obstructions of the gland. That is, the currently known pharmaceutical treatments simply cannot unclog the meibomian glands to permit flow of lipids. While antibiotic treatment, steroid treatment, or other pharmacological treatments may be useful for other causes of dry eye, they have been found ineffective (or at most, to provide temporary symptomatic relief) when obstruction of the meibomian glands is involved. While many pharmacological agents may be useful in promoting lipid production and flow of the meibomian glands, such lipid production is not effective, and may be counterproductive if the secretion cannot get out of the gland. In fact, promoting lipid production may cause more meibomian difficulties and inflammation of the glands.

[0082] Other pharmacological agents may assist in promoting tear production or otherwise assisting in the lubricating function of the eye by promoting an improvement in the tear film. Used alone, such treatments may be ineffective or only partially effective, whereas, used after clearing of the meibomian glands may restore normal or near normal production of all components of the tear film. Hence, many pharmacological agents may be appropriate for further enhancement of the tear film and may be extremely beneficial once the meibomian glands are returned to more normal function.

[0083] Hence, once flow has been restored to the meibomian glands by heat and manual treatment (e.g., pressure during or after treatment, vibration, pulsation, manual expression, etc.), treatment with various pharmacological agents can be beneficial to maintaining the flow of lipids from the glands. Hence, with reference to FIG. 5, a treatment regimen is described starting at 100, after which a controlled heat such as produced by the various apparatus described in the above-referenced and incorporated by reference patent applications is applied to the eyelids at 104. The preferred heat is greater than 37 degrees Celsius, with a preferred range of heat between approximately 44-47 degrees Celsius, with a target of 45 degrees Celsius. However, greater temperatures Celsius for shorter periods of time will provide therapeutic benefit, with the possible side effect of minor skin burns that do not cause lasting damage. Below this temperature range, treatment tends to be less effective or ineffective. Temperatures above this range can cause substantial patient discomfort, injury to the eyelids and possibly the eye. At higher temperatures within the range, the patient may find the heat to be somewhat uncomfortable, but the treatment time can be reduced and the discomfort can be moderated with anesthetic. Lower temperatures in the range are effective but generally take a longer heating period.

[0084] As a rule of thumb starting point, fifteen minutes at a relatively constant 45 degrees generally works well for many patients with mild to moderate MGD without undue patient discomfort. Time ranges from about 10-60 minutes or even beyond may be used depending upon the severity of the MGD condition, the temperature, anesthetic used and patient tolerance. In experiments, times beyond one hour were used without apparent adverse effects.

[0085] Once the heat treatment is completed (and/or during the heat treatment), mechanical force can be applied at 108 in any of the above mechanical modalities discussed to express the fluids or suspensions from the meibomian glands while the obstructions are in the melted state. When expression of the glands is used, it is preferable that any instrument used in the expression process be heated so as to simultaneously apply or assist in maintaining heat to the glands at the time of expression.

[0086] While manual expression of the gland can be painful and is invasive with inconsistent results when used alone due to variations in manual control and/or manipulation, and while this method of treating MGD can also be quite uncomfortable to the patient because it requires the physician to squeeze the glands, this technique may prove useful as a step in the process used selectively in difficult cases. There are about 45-50 glands between the upper and lower lid, therefore, it is very time consuming to squeeze each gland and therefore inefficient for the physician and uncomfortable for the patient to endure. However as noted, it may be beneficial in combination with automated expression devices to assist in further clearing severely obstructed glands to enhance the normal flow of lipids flowing through the orifices and out of the glands to the tear film. After heat treatment, the expression of secretions from an obstructed gland is generally dramatically more effective with less patient discomfort and better results, than if used alone. As noted previously, when expression of the glands is used, it is preferable that any instrument used in the expression process be heated so as to simultaneously apply heat or assist in maintaining heat to the glands at the time of expression.

[0087] Once the occlusions and other foreign substances have been cleared from the meibomian glands at 104 and 108 and lipid flow is restored, the meibomian glands can be treated with any of a variety of pharmacological agents, either topical or systemic, in order to minimize inflammation of the glands, clear infections, prevent further blockages, thin the lipids, promote production of tears, enhance the composition of the tear film, or any other pharmacological modality that promotes the free flow of the lipids or enhanced lubrication of the eye at 112. Pharmacological treatment may be carried out either for a short duration (e.g., to clear an infection or inflammatory condition), or for ongoing therapy (e.g., as in pharmacological agents that thin the lipids, reduce inflammation or treat other modalities of dry eye syndrome). This process ends at 116.

[0088] Many pharmacological agents have been proposed for treatment of dry eye syndrome, any of which may be effective or more effective upon clearing of obstructions within the meibomian glands. Some of the pharmacological agents that may be utilized include, but are not limited to: antibiotics such as topical or oral tetracycline and chemically modified tetracycline, testosterone, topical or oral corticosteroids; topical androgens or androgen analogues, omega 3 fatty acid compounds such as fish oils, laennec, enzymes that promote lipid production, agents that stimulate production of enzymes that promote lipid production, and any agent which acts as a secretagogue to enhance meibomian gland secretion or secretion of other tear components. Androgen and androgen analogues and TGF- have been reported to act as a secretagogue to enhance meibomian gland secretion, agents that replace or promote production of any tear component, and there are likely many others. These compounds are illustrative examples of appropriate pharmacological agents, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that other pharmacological compounds may be utilized upon consideration of the present teachings. It is further noted that multiple modalities may be involved in causing dry eye syndrome, but treatment of only one modality may not result in full resolution. Hence, the restoration of normal or near normal lipid flow from the meibomian glands may be only a part of the solutionwith pharmacological treatment of the other modality or modalities of the disease restoring a normal tear film. However, when significant MG dysfunction is involved, treatment of the other modalities alone is likely to be less than satisfactory.

[0089] A variation of the above treatment is described in connection with FIG. 6 starting at 130, after which a controlled heat such as produced by the various apparatus described in the above-referenced and incorporated by reference patent applications is applied to the eyelids at 104 as in the prior treatment method. The preferred range of such heat is again between approximately 44-47 degrees Celsius, with a target of 45 degrees Celsius. Again, time ranges from about 10 to 60 minutes and beyond may be used, depending upon severity of the condition, the treatment temperature and patient tolerance.

[0090] In this embodiment, during the heat treatment, mechanical force can be applied at 138 in any of the above mechanical modalities discussed, including those referenced and incorporated by reference, to express the fluids or suspensions from the meibomian glands while the obstructions are in a liquid or suspension state during application of the heat.

[0091] Depending upon the patient response to heat in combination with simultaneous mechanical force at 138, additional force can be applied immediately subsequent to removal of the heat at 142. In this case, it is also preferred that heat be maintained during the time of expression or force being applied as described. That is, it is preferred that any probe or other instrument used during the expression be heated to help maintain the obstruction in a liquid or suspension state. Such force can be manually applied by squeezing the eyelids at appropriate locations where obstructions appear to remain, or automated mechanical means may be employed if available.

[0092] Once the occlusions and foreign substances have been cleared from some or all of the meibomian glands at 104, 138 and 142, the meibomian glands can be treated with any of a variety of pharmacological agents, either topical or systemic, in order to minimize inflammation of the glands, clear infections, prevent further blockages, thin the lipids or any other pharmacological modality that promotes the free flow of the lipids or otherwise promote an improved tear film at 112 as before. As noted, pharmacological treatment may be carried out either for a short duration (e.g., to clear an infection or inflammatory condition), or for ongoing therapy (e.g., as in pharmacological agents that thin the lipids, improve the tear composition, or reduce inflammation). This process ends at 150.

[0093] The above processes, whether involving the process of FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, may be repeated or interchanged at time intervals as needed to create or maintain proper flow from the meibomian glands. Such treatments, or portions thereof, may need to be periodically repeated for some patients in order to keep the lipids flowing from the meibomian glands.

[0094] Thus, in accordance with certain embodiments consistent with the present invention, a method of treating mammalian meibomian glands involves clearing the glands by applying a regulated heat to an eyelid containing the meibomian glands to reach a temperature adequate to melt obstructions in the meibomian glands and maintaining the heat for a time period adequate to melt the obstructions and place the obstructions in a fluid or suspension (melted) state. The glands can then be mechanically treated to express fluid or suspension from the glands, wherein the mechanical treatment is carried out either during the time period or after the time period but while the obstruction remains in the melted state. The process may be enhanced by a heated treatment device for applying the force to maintain the temperature and the melted state of the obstructive material. Subsequent pharmacological treatment of the glands by use of a pharmacological agent (topical or systemic) can then be used to assist in maintaining proper flow of lipids from the glands.

[0095] In accordance with certain embodiments, the time period can be approximately 10 to 60 minutes, and approximately 15 minutes is generally suitable for mild to moderate cases. The temperature should be greater than 37 degrees Celsius and the preferred range is approximately 44 to 47 degrees Celsius with a target of 45 degrees Celsius at the eyelid's outer surface has been found effective and comfortable to the patient. In certain embodiments, the mechanical treating is carried out as soon as possible after the heating, and preferably within about 30-90 seconds, so that the obstruction will remain in a melted state during the expression process. In other embodiments, the mechanical treatment is carried out by at least one of application of constant pressure, squeezing, milkingly expressing the fluid or suspension from one or more of the glands while simultaneously applying heat, or applying vibratory stimulation to the eyelid while simultaneously applying heat. Many variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the present teaching.

[0096] An apparatus for unplugging the obstructed gland channel C is schematically illustrated in FIG. 7A. The apparatus comprises a power source 160 which may be direct current (battery powered) or alternating current (wall socket) as desired. The power source 160 is connected to a controller, generally indicated at 200, which includes a power on/power off switch 210. The controller 200 includes a means 220 for applying an external force to the gland to loosen the obstruction. The means 220 includes a probe 230, which is adapted to vibrate at a preselected frequency at preselected amplitude. The probe 230 may vibrate at sonic or ultrasonic frequencies as needed. In addition, means for varying the frequency 240 and amplitude 250 of the probe output, well known to those skilled in the art, are provided. The means 220 for applying the regulated external force or regulated energy to the obstruction may also include fluid jet, air fluid, water fluid, microwave energy, needles, micro-needles, laser energy, RF energy, aspiration, suction, vacuum, pressure, piezoelectric, and compression.

[0097] Turning now to FIG. 7B, a small ultrasonic probe 230 (and specifically the probe tip) is illustrated in FIG. 8C in place on the eyelid. The probe 230 is adapted to deliver ultrasonic vibrational energy through the skin into the obstruction P in order to loosen, liquefy, and/or fracture the obstruction. More specifically, by tuning the probe output so that the obstruction P resonates (by adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the signal) energy is efficiently transferred to the obstruction and sympathetic vibration of the obstruction P occurs with minimal energy transfer to the surrounding tissues. In some instances, vibration alone may be sufficient to change the characteristics of the obstruction P such that vigorous blinking may express the obstruction remnants.

[0098] In addition to vibration alternative force, energy, aspiration and/or chemical/pharmacological agents can be used to open up the channel C. The probe may be further equipped with aspiration means 260 (best illustrated in FIG. 8C for introducing aspiration, suction or vacuum into the gland channel C to evacuate the obstruction remnants. Alternatively, heat and aspiration may be employed in lieu of or in addition vibration.

[0099] In another aspect of the invention, the probe 230 may be equipped with a means for heating 270 such as a solid state heating element which may be regulated to provide relatively precise amounts of energy in the previously mentioned ranges that assists in softening, liquifying or melting the obstruction P via heat transfer through the tissue when the probe is placed against the tissue.

[0100] A second embodiment of the invention (FIG. 9) employs microdermabraision or exfoliation to remove any cells or cellular material that may have overgrown the gland opening. Microdermabraision is a process that was developed for use in dermatology to remove dead skin cells. As shown in FIG. 9 a probe or tip 330 is equipped with an abrasive surface 310 that is adapted to scrape the skin. The abrasive employed is usually a diamond power or other suitable material, well known to those skilled in the art. An inner tube 320 having a central bore 325 includes holes defining openings 330 through which a fluid such as air is pumped. An outer covering 335 surrounds the tube 320, but at its lower edge extends slightly lower and is spaced from the abrasive surface 310 and a space is defined between the lower ends of the respective tubes 320, 335. The outer covering is connected to aspiration, vacuum, and/or suction that operates as described herein below.

[0101] In operation, the clinician would place the abrasive tip 310 in contact over the gland orifice creating a seal between the tip and the skin. Movement of the probe 330 would cause the abrasive 310 on the bottom of the tip to separate the cells from the skin and the aspiration, suction or vacuum would extract the cellular material from the vicinity of the gland opening. In addition, depending upon the obstruction, aspiration, suction and/or vacuum alone may be sufficient to extract the obstruction.

[0102] Additional features may also be providing to the microdermabraision tip such as a heating element 340 which could be placed in the outer covering 335 near the tip. In addition, the inner tube 320 could be equipped such that ultrasonic energy could be delivered to the obstruction as discussed herein above.

[0103] Another embodiment of the invention may employ a chemical agent to clean the gland margin and to remove or exfoliate cells from the meibomian gland orifice. For example Ophthaine or a similar pharmacological agent may be employed to assist in removing epithelial cells from over the gland orifice. A probe similar to that shown in FIG. 9 may be employed, except that the inner tube will deliver the chemical agent and the suction applied by the outer covering will be used to evacuate the used chemical agent and cellular material mixture away from the gland margin. Similarly, the heating and vibrational features discussed above may also be included.

[0104] A further embodiment of the invention may deliver vibrational and/or thermal energy to the obstruction P without contacting the gland. One potential energy source is laser light supplied by titanium, argon, krypton or microwave energy. Extraction of the obstruction would be accomplished by the means described herein above.

[0105] A third embodiment of the invention employs pressure applied to the tissue as shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 11 by rollers (or drums) 375 which are placed in front of and/or behind the meibomian gland with the rollers applying constant regulated pressure to the meibomian glands to apply a milking type force to expel the obstruction to return the gland to normal secretion levels. The rollers can be connected to heat, aspiration, vacuum, and/or suction that operate as described herein.

[0106] In operation, the physician would place the rollers 375 in contact with the eyelid, either inside, outside or both. Lateral movement of the rollers 375 would cause pressure to be applied to the gland to remove the obstruction. Alternatively, aspiration, suction and/or vacuum could be applied to extract the obstruction and material from the vicinity of the gland opening. In addition, depending upon the obstruction, aspiration, suction and/or vacuum alone may be sufficient to extract the obstruction.

[0107] Additional features may also be provided to the rollers such as a regulated heating element (not shown) which could be placed in the outer covering near the tip as shown in FIG. 10A. In addition, the roller 375 could be equipped such that ultrasonic energy could be delivered to the obstruction as discussed herein above.

[0108] FIG. 12 illustrates a prototype hand held suction system generally indicated at 400 that was constructed. The system comprised an AC power supply 410 which powered a suction pump 420 to which tubing 430 was connected. At the opposite end of tubing 430 a probe 440 was connected. A tip 450 having a 1 mm diameter and a 200 micron orifice was attached to the end of the probe 440. The probe end 460 was curved for ergonomic access to the gland orifice. In use, the tip 450 is placed on or proximate the gland orifice and the applied vacuum is used to collect the obstruction as it exits the orifice or may alternatively be employed to assist in expression of the obstruction.

[0109] FIG. 13 illustrates another prototype of a hand held apparatus generally indicated at 500 that was constructed. The system comprised a power supply 510 which powered an electromagnet (not shown) which was encased in a handle 530 that may be easily held by the clinician in one hand. A rod 540 is mounted for reciprocating motion to the output of the electromagnet. The throw or amount of movement of the rod 540 is 0.5 mm. At the end of rod 540 is mounted a back plate 550 which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rod 540. Further, a lever 560 is pivotally mounted to rod 540 and operates to actuate a roller 570. A heating means or heater 580 was mounted in backplate 550. The heater 580 was also provided with an appropriate power source. In operation, the device is positioned such that the back plate 550 is positioned between the cornea and the back surface of the eye lid. The lever 560 is actuated such that the roller 570 comes into contact with the front surface of the eye lid. The arc of the roller is such that the eye lid is squeezed between the foregoing The clinician may elect to maintain the back plate and the roller under tension for a preselected period of time to soften the obstruction. Once the desired temperature has been reached, further pressure on the lever 560 will cause the roller to move from the bottom of the meibomian gland (the end away from the orifice) to the top of the gland to express the obstruction from the gland in a milking type motion. Thus, a repeatable regulated method for opening obstructed meibomian glands is provided.

[0110] The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14A through 14C, the present invention prototype is a hand held apparatus generally indicated at 600. The apparatus comprises a power source 610 which may be a DC source such as a battery or an AC source similar to those discussed herein above. The power source 610 resides within a housing 620. The power source 610 provides electrical current to a wave form generator 625 which powers an acoustic amplifier 630 (for example, a small audio speaker) also located within housing 620 and mounted at an ergonomic angle therein. The acoustic amplifier 630 is programmed to vibrate in a wave format at a frequency of 0 to 200 Hz at an amplitude in the range of 0.25 mm to 5 mm. Initial experiments indicate that free air amplitude of 3-4 mm at a frequency of 60 Hz to 125 Hz is well tolerated and after 10-30 seconds of application seems to impart a natural numbing effect to the eyelid/gland. Mounted in operative association atop the acoustic amplifier 630 is an annulus 635 that floats thereon and includes a cone shaped housing 640 extending perpendicularly away from the amplifier 625 that encloses the amplifier 625 The end of the housing 640 is adapted to mount a variety of tips 650. For example, the tip may comprise a roller 655 mounted for rotation in a cradle 665. Further, the tip 650 may be modified to include a regulated heating element (not shown) that acts to soften the obstruction. Other tip configurations may include a vacuum for collecting the obstruction after expression thereof from the gland and different tip configurations to apply various contact areas and resulting forces. Thus, it will be seen that the obstruction is actually subjected to a pair of forces, the first being the weight of the device itself on the gland which may be combined with additional pressure by the health care provider pressing on the gland plus the additional intermittent force delivered to the gland by the vibratory or pulsatory force of the tip 650. The first force may be a fixed constantly applied force or one that increases to a preselected maximum. Testing has indicated that use of the foregoing method, i.e., applying a first force to the meibomian gland and a second pulsatile force to the meibomian gland allows delivery of a greater quantity of energy to the obstruction while lowering the perceived pain level to the patient. It is believed that this is the result of an overall lower degree of localized nerve stimulation about the orbit. Heating the gland is also beneficial in the event softening of the obstruction is needed prior to expression thereof.

[0111] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 15A through 15E wherein the treatment apparatus is incorporated into a goggle-like device, termed herein as the hydro-oculator which is a head borne device that locates the treatment mechanism proximate the eyelids, generally indicated at 700. The hydro-oculator 700 comprises a flexible frame 705 having a headband 710 (which may be elastic) connected thereto at each end. Connected to the bottom of the frame 705 is a molded housing 720 which has an angled leg 725 which is adapted to overlie the cheek bone when the apparatus is in use. Further, an expandable fluid or gas impermeable container referred to herein as a bladder 730 is positioned within the cavity defined by the space between the housing and the lower eye lid. A pumping mechanism is provided that facilitates movement of a fluid or gas, collectively referred to herein as a medium (not shown) into and out of each of the respective bladders 730. According to the invention, the patient would position the hydo-oclulator 700 on his or her head such that the leg 725 of molded housing 730 rests on the upper cheek bone as best shown in FIGS. 15C through 15E. The regulated heated medium is pumped into the bladders 730 causing partial expansion thereof in order to apply a pressure to the eyelids in the range of from zero to fifty pounds per square inch (50 psi). The bladder containing the heated medium (a water based solution being preferred) is positioned on the eyelids over the meibomian glands for a preselected period of time (up to thirty minutes) to soften the obstruction. It is desirable to place the heat source in direct contact with the eyelids which thereby transmits thermal energy to the meibomian glands, in contrast to the prior art which heats a confined space in front of the open eye where heat could be transmitted to the ocular bulbi structures such as the crystalline lens which introduces the possibility of cataract formation. Thereafter, the bladder is slowly expanded to a preselected maximum such that the force on the gland increases from the bottom up to the top or orifice end of the gland such that the obstruction is expressed therefrom in a milking type of action. Milking may be applied at a preselected frequency between zero and five hertz (0-5 Hz) and for a preselected period of time, usually not more than thirty minutes. In addition, the medium may be pulsed, i.e., milkingly moved into and out of the bladder to further facilitate expression of the obstruction from the gland. Pulsing may also be achieved by providing an external force to the bladder and transmitting the force through the fluid into the gland. Pulsing may be applied at a preselected frequency between zero and one hundred hertz (0-100 Hz) for a preselected period time, usually not more than thirty (30) minutes. A chemical or pharmacological agent may be inserted into the meibomian gland to assist in softening the obstruction and any of the extraction modalities mentioned above may be further employed to assist in removing the obstruction.

[0112] Another embodiment of the invention may employ a chemical agent or compound to clean the glandular margin to remove or exfoliate cells from the gland orifice. A probe similar to that shown in FIG. 9 may be employed, except that the outer drum or roller will deliver the chemical agent and the suction applied by the outer covering will be used to evacuate the used chemical agent and cellular material mixture away from the gland margin. Similarly, the heating and vibrational features discussed above may also be included.

[0113] A further embodiment of the invention may deliver vibrational and/or thermal energy to the obstruction P without contacting the gland. One potential energy source is laser light supplied by a titanium-sapphire, argon, krypton, RF energy or microwave energy. Extraction of the obstruction would be accomplished by the means described herein above.

[0114] Another embodiment of the invention employs the use of chemical or pharmacological agents to open or dilate the gland and gland orifice wherein the obstruction naturally is expressed and returns the normal secretions of the gland. Alternatively, the chemical or pharmaceutical agent would be used to soften or breakup the obstruction with such obstruction being expressed with the use of devices as defined above or combinations thereof. Chemical or pharmacological agents may also be used in connection with the device for post treatment. Once the glands have been opened then chemical or pharmacological agents may be used to enhance the normal production or secretion to maintain the glands in its unblocked state.

[0115] Dilation of the meibomian gland channel and orifice may also be employed to loosen or free the obstruction from the gland walls. Dilation may be accomplished by chemical, pharmacological, or mechanical means.

[0116] Stimulation of the meibomian gland may also be employed in conjunction with the other modalities discussed above to loosen or fracture the obstruction.

[0117] While certain illustrative embodiments have been described, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, permutations and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.