Patent ID: 9216028
Filing Date: 2015-12-22
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61H,A61N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus treating mammalian meibomian glands wherein the flow of naturally occurring secretion from a meibomian gland is occluded due to the presence of an obstruction within a meibomian gland channel of the meibomian gland, comprising: a heater configured to apply regulated heat to an eyelid containing the meibomian glands to reach a temperature adequate to melt obstructions within the meibomian gland channel of the meibomian glands and place the obstructions in a melted state; a controller configured to maintain the heat for a time period adequate to melt the obstructions and place the obstructions in the melted state; and a mechanical treatment applicator configured to mechanically treat one or more of the meibomian glands, wherein the mechanical treatment applicator is configured to contact the eyelid and to apply a directional compressive force to the meibomian gland channel in a direction from a bottom of the meibomian gland channel to a top of the meibomian gland channel while the obstruction remains in the melted state, wherein the directional compressive force expresses the melted obstructions located within the meibomian gland channel from within the meibomian gland channel through a meibomian gland orifice.