Opinion ID: 4522703
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Eyelid Margin and Ocular Disorders

Text: The eyelid margin is a portion of the edge of the eyelid which encompasses the site of the eyelashes, the meibomian gland orifices, and the gray line. J.A. 718. The eyelid margin is divided into two regions, as demarcated by the gray line: (1) a posterior eyelid margin (“inner edge margin”) 1, including the meibomian gland orifices; and (2) an anterior eyelid margin (“outer edge margin”), including the eyelashes. J.A. 482–83. J.A. 717. 1 There is an ongoing claim construction dispute before the district court regarding the definition of “inner edge,” as recited by claim 1 of the ’718 patent. J.A. 1100, 1102. Myco concedes, however, that it “does not contest the definiteness of the phrases [in] this appeal” because the plain and ordinary meanings of these terms are “not relevant to the issues BlephEx raises in this appeal.” Appellee Br. 12 n.5. Case: 19-2374 Document: 42 Page: 4 Filed: 04/03/2020 4 MYCO INDUSTRIES, INC. v. BLEPHEX, LLC There are several ocular diseases that affect the eyelid margin, such as blepharitis, meibomitis, and dry eye syndrome. ’718 patent, Abstract. Blepharitis, which comes in two forms, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelids and the formation of dandruff-like scales on the eyelashes. J.A. 2–3. Anterior blepharitis affects a portion of the outer edge margin while posterior blepharitis affects a portion of the inner edge margin. J.A. 3. If a patient is diagnosed with eyelid margin disease, a doctor may prescribe a home treatment procedure, possibly in conjunction with antibiotics and/or topical steroids until the disease subsides. ’718 patent, col. 1 ll. 27–32. Home treatment is typically a two-step process. Id., col. 1, ll. 40– 41. The patient first softens the eyelid margin debris by using a warm compress or a specialized liquid solution. Id., col. 1 ll. 40–50. The patient then removes the debris by physically scrubbing the eyelid margin. Id. By cleaning debris from the base of the eyelashes and unclogging the pores of the meibomian glands, the patient improves the overall health of the eyelid margin, thereby reducing symptoms related to the disorder. Id., col. 1 ll. 50–54. Unfortunately, this home treatment procedure is often met with limited success due to the practical difficulties of cleaning one’s own eye with an imprecise instrument, such as a Q- tip or a fingertip. Id., col. 1 ll. 56–59. While attempted selftreatment can temporarily abate a patient’s symptoms, failure to completely treat the affected area allows for “subtle continuation of the disease.” Id., col. 2 ll. 3–5.