Device and method for relieving symptoms of dry eye

Abstract

A non-invasive method and apparatus is described for providing moisture to the eyes and nose by breathing, alleviating dry eye symptoms and dry nose symptoms, and supplementing moisture to the eye, nose and facial skin. A device for alleviating a dry eye condition includes a mask covering the nose, an exhalation deflector and a device means that can attach the device to the face.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 423,027, filed on November 6, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The entire disclosure of the prior application is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference into this application. Summary of the Invention

[0002] This application discloses methods and devices for non - invasively providing moisture from breathing airflow to the eyes, nose, and face to relieve dry eye symptoms and relieve dry nose symptoms, and to provide moisture to the skin of the eyes, nose, and face. The device for relieving dry eye symptoms includes a face mask covering the nose, a breathing airflow deflector, and means for attaching the device to the face.

[0003] Background Dry eye disease refers to the condition of dry eyes. Other related symptoms include irritation, redness, discharge, and easy eye fatigue. Blurred vision may also occur. The symptoms range from mild and occasional to severe and persistent. Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes are unable to produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can be caused by wearing contact lenses, meibomian gland dysfunction, pregnancy, Sjogren's syndrome, vitamin A deficiency, omega - 3 fatty acid deficiency, LASIK surgery, and certain medications (such as antihistamines, certain blood pressure medications, hormone replacement therapy, and antidepressants). Diagnosis is mainly based on symptoms, but many other tests can also be used. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Artificial tears are usually the first - line treatment. Dry eye disease is a common eye disorder. Depending on the population observed, 5 - 34% of people are affected by it. In the elderly, it affects up to 70%.

[0004] Nasal dryness is usually caused by a lack of mucus secretion in the sinuses, which makes the nose feel dry and uncomfortable. Mucous membranes line the sinuses and keep them moist, and the mucus produced should flow easily through the nasal passages. However, a dry environment can impede the free flow of mucus and may cause problems. Nasal dryness occurs when the mucous membranes in the sinuses lack proper moisture. This can lead to nasal dryness, discomfort, nosebleeds, and similar discomfort symptoms. In severe cases, untreated dry sinuses may become infected and require antibiotic treatment. Dry sinuses can cause many discomfort symptoms, including sore throat, headache, sinus pain or pressure, nosebleeds, dry nose, and dry mouth.

[0005] Skin moisturization can prevent wrinkles and skin aging. Improving the skin's moisture level can keep the skin healthy and vibrant. The outermost layer of the skin has the required moisture to expel toxins and deliver nutrients to skin cells. Skin with sufficient moisture is also less sensitive to irritants and bacteria. Keeping the skin well-hydrated can prevent premature wrinkles and acne on the face.

[0006] Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 Shows an example of a device with a convex covering structure and temple pieces mounted on the ears.

[0007] Figure 2 Shows an example of a device worn by a user.

[0008] Figure 3 Shows an example of a device made of transparent rigid material.

[0009] Figure 4 Shows additional examples of devices with different shapes, having temple pieces or a headband / rope / strap as the mounting means.

[0010] Figure 5 Shows additional examples of devices with different shapes, having temple pieces or a headband / rope / strap worn by the user.

[0011] Figure 6 Shows additional examples of devices that do not cover the open area of the eyes.

[0012] Figure 7 Shows an example of a device having both an air flow blocking device and a respiratory air flow deflector.

[0013] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 different perspective views of c.

[0014] Figure 9 Shows a longitudinal sectional view of an example of the device worn by a user.

[0015] Figure 10 Shows that the mask of the device can further extend downward to or cover the mouth.

[0016] Figure 11 Shows an example of a one-way valve / openings that can be placed in the area near the nose.

[0017] Figure 12 Shows additional examples of the user using the device.

[0018] Figure 13 Shows an example of a device having spectacle frames and deflectors.

[0019] Figure 14 Shows an example of a face mask, which may have a nasal protrusion area or a conical structure that encloses the front of the nose.

[0020] Figure 15 Shows an example of a device using a flexible sheet as a face mask.

[0021] Figure 16 Shows an example of a device for relieving nasal dryness symptoms and moisturizing the respiratory tract.

[0022] Figure 17 Shows an example of a device for hydrating facial skin.

[0023] Figure 18 Shows an example of a device having a visually transparent area in front of the eyes, which is equipped with a groove / pocket frame allowing insertion of glasses / lenses.

[0024] Figure 19 Shows a method for fabricating a custom-fitted device for a user.

[0025] Detailed description The present invention discloses a device for providing moisture to the eyes and relieving dry eye symptoms. The device includes a face mask covering the nose, a respiratory airflow deflector, and a device for attaching the device to the face. The respiratory airflow deflector deflects the exhaled breath from the nose to the upper part of the face mask, so that the moisture in the exhaled breath reaches the eyes to moisturize the eyes / relieve dry eye symptoms. The face mask covering the nose and the eye area or the surrounding area thereof provides an air passageway / passage / duct, enabling a large amount of moisture to reach the eyes. The face mask can use one material or different types of materials in different areas. The deflector or the edge of the deflector can be wrapped or made of a soft material such as rubber, foam, or silicone.

[0026] The present invention discloses a method for providing moisture to the eyes and relieving dry eye symptoms. The method includes delivering the exhaled breath of a user to the eye area thereof to provide moisture to relieve dry eye. The exhaled breath contains a large amount of moisture. The method includes attaching the device described in the present invention to the face to deliver the moisture in the breath to the eyes to moisturize the eyes / relieve dry eye symptoms. The user wears the device of the present invention on the face as shown and breathes, thereby delivering the exhaled breath containing moisture to the eyes to relieve dry eye.

[0027] In some embodiments, the face mask covers the nose, eyes, and the facial area between them, but does not cover the mouth. In some embodiments, the face mask covers the nose, the area near the lower eyelid, and the facial area between them, but does not cover the mouth and eyes. In some embodiments, the face mask is made of a transparent material, such as plastic and glass. In some embodiments, the face mask is made of a rigid material. In some embodiments, different materials are used in different regions of the face mask. For example, the area covering the eyes can use a transparent material, such as anti-scratch glass with an anti-fog coating, while other parts can use rigid or semi-rigid or flexible plastic / fabric / paper, which can be transparent or opaque. Different components can be fused into one piece, or assembled using detachable components to allow for component replacement. Different components / regions can be connected using hinges. The device can be made in a foldable form to reduce space. In some embodiments, the area covering the eyes is open, allowing the user to place other parts in the open area to cover the space, such as using a detachable transparent glass or plastic sheet, lens, or their own glasses.

[0028] In some embodiments, the device has a convex covering structure and temple pieces that can be worn on the ears. An example is shown Figure 1 as shown. The bottom edge of the covering surface 3 folds backward to form a breathing air flow deflector 1. The temple pieces 2 provide a mounting means to fixedly attach to the face. Alternatively, one or more elastic cords 4 or a headband / strap can be used to mount the device to the face, as Figure 1 shown in c. The device can be made of a transparent material, such as polycarbonate. Preferably, the area covering the eyes has an anti-fog coating. The edge of the deflector 1 can be wrapped or coated with silicone to provide soft skin contact and / or a better air seal.

[0029] Figure 2 Shows a user wearing a device similar to Figure 1 that shown. Figure 2 The temple pieces 5 and the exhalation deflector 6 are shown in a. The user wears it on the head and transports the moisture in the nasal cavity to the eyes through breathing, providing a moisturizing effect for the eyes. In the test, the humidity around the eyes before wearing was about 35%, and it reached about 90% after wearing for about one minute. Dry eye symptoms were relieved. When the exhalation diversion structure in the device was removed, the nasal exhalation went downward and the humidity remained below 45%, and the patient still felt dry eye symptoms.

[0030] The side of the device in the present invention can leave a gap between the skin and the face mask, allowing fresh air to enter and be inhaled, thus providing air circulation. It does not require a complete seal of the air between the face mask and the face. However, a smaller gap can provide faster and / or better moisture capture.

[0031] Figure 3An example of a device made of a transparent rigid material (such as polycarbonate or polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG)) is shown. Figure 3 The examples in a and 3d use elastic cords 7 or straps similar to those in N95 masks to fix them on the face. Figure 3 The examples in b and 3c use a structure similar to temple arms. Figure 3 The examples in a, 3b, and 3c cover the entire eye area, while Figure 3 the device in d only covers the area up to the lower eyelid and does not cover the eyes. Volunteers with dry eyes will Figure 3 wear the device in d on the head and breathe to transfer moisture from the nose to the eye area, thus providing a moisturizing effect for the eyes. The humidity level around the eyes before wearing was 35%, and it reached 85% after wearing for one minute. The feeling of dry eyes was relieved.

[0032] Figure 4 shows other examples of the device, which have different shapes and have temple arms or headbands / cords / straps. The example in Figure 4a is colored to make it opaque to better illustrate the 3D structure. The eye area of the working device should be transparent.

[0033] Figure 5 shows other examples of the device, which have different shapes. When worn by the user, it can be worn either using temple arms or using a headband / rope / strap. The shape and coverage area of the device can vary as long as it can transfer breathing moisture to the eyes.

[0034] Figure 6 Additional examples showing the device with an open eye area are presented. In Figure 6 a and 6d, the two openings 8 in the mask directly in front of the eyes have a circular / elliptical (6a) or rectangular (6d) shape. In Figure 6 b and 6c, the opening 9 in the mask directly in front of the eyes has a long rectangular shape. In Figure 6 c, the user can use their own glasses to cover the eyes in the open area while fixing the device on the head with a headband / rope. Although there is an open area in the device, Figure 6 the device in still can moisten the eyes of the volunteers and relieve their dry eye symptoms, which has been confirmed by the volunteers.

[0035] In some embodiments, the device further includes an air flow blocking device in its upper region, which can reduce / prevent the amount of air flowing out from the top. It can be a structure similar to a deflector under the nose. Figure 7An example of a device having both an air flow blocking device 11 and a respiratory air flow deflector 10 in its construction is shown. Some examples also have a nose clip 12 that can support the device by placing the device on the nose. The air flow blocking device, deflector, or their edges can be wrapped or coated or made of a soft material (such as rubber, foam, or silicone) to provide a softer contact with the skin and a better air seal. As Figure 7 shown in c, the foam block 13 serves as the respiratory air flow deflector. Figure 8 Different views of a device similar to Figure 7 c are shown. A moisture-absorbing material (such as a foam / fabric block) can be placed in the device to serve as a moisture reservoir, thereby providing a better moisturizing effect.

[0036] Volunteers wear the Figure 8 device on their heads and deliver the moisture in the nasal cavity to the eyes through breathing, providing a moisturizing effect for the eyes. The humidity around the eyes before wearing was 35%, and it reached about 100% after wearing for about 30 seconds. The dryness sensation in the eyes was relieved.

[0037] Figure 9 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a user wearing the device. The dashed line shows the part of the device that is not in the longitudinal plane. The breathing deflector (also known as the respiratory air flow deflector) is a structure placed in front of the nasal breathing airway, which can at least partially obstruct / deflect / block the exhaled air from moving downward, and thus at least partially change the air flow direction from the nose to an upward direction. In some embodiments, preferably, the breathing deflector can intercept or block more than 50% of the area in the exhalation airway part. The mask can have a curved structure, so the lower part under its nose can be used as a breathing deflector to block the exhalation airway.

[0038] In some embodiments, the mask of the device can further extend downward to the mouth or cover the mouth. Examples are shown in Figures 10a and b, and their longitudinal sectional views are shown in Figures 10c and d.

[0039] One or more one-way valves / openings can be placed in the area near the nose to allow fresh air to enter the nose from the valve / opening during inhalation, but not allow the exhaled breath to escape or leak from the valve / opening. An example having a one-way valve 14 is shown in Figure 11, but other designs or devices other than the shown design or device can also be used.

[0040] Figure 12 shows additional examples of a user using the device. The device may have additional vents in the face mask to allow exhaled breath to escape, thereby reducing or controlling the humidity level inside. The vents may be one or more adjustable openings, such as a window or a sliding door type of structure. The user can adjust the opening degree to adjust the humidity level inside. Examples are shown in Figures 12c and d, which have two windows 15 (vents) along the nose to adjust the humidity level. The windows may have a sliding door structure / mechanism with a sliding track, so that the user can adjust the opening area of the windows to control the humidity level inside. The larger the vent area is opened, the lower the humidity inside.

[0041] In some embodiments, the eyeglass frame may be incorporated into the device structure to allow the user to place the glasses into the device. Figure 13 Examples of devices with an eyeglass frame and foam 16 as a deflector are shown. The device in Figure 13a has its own temple arms that can be mounted on the user's ears. In some embodiments, the device may use the temple arms of the glasses to mount it on the user's ears. The device may have a locking structure (such as a strap, rubber band, groove) that can be connected to the temple arms of the glasses. Figure 13b shows an example of a device with a locking or mounting structure 17 that is mounted on the temple arms of the glasses.

[0042] In some embodiments, the area in front of the nose may protrude from the corresponding part of the face covering structure. The face covering structure includes a nasal protrusion area or a conical structure in front of the nose to surround or hold the nose. Examples are as Figure 14 shown.

[0043] In some embodiments, the device uses a flexible / bendable material to form the face mask. Figure 15 Examples of devices using a flexible PET sheet 18 as the face mask are shown. It has a breathing deflection foam 19 and a headband / rope 20. When it is fixed to the head using an elastic headband, it folds into a curved shape as shown in the left figure to adapt to the shape or contour of the face. When it is placed on a flat surface and allowed to relax without the restraint band, it is flat.

[0044] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the central part of the face mask may be made of a rigid material, while the surrounding / side parts may be made of a flexible or soft material to provide better skin contact.

[0045] In some embodiments, the device or the area facing the eyes is made of a transparent material with the property of blocking blue light and / or ultraviolet light to further protect the eyes.

[0046] In some embodiments, the device of the present invention has both an elastic cord / strap mounting device and a mounting device similar to the temple (earpiece) structure to mount it on the face. The elastic cord / strap and the temple-like structure can be detachable, so that the user can freely choose. It can have one or two or more elastic cord or strap-type mounting devices to fix its position on the face.

[0047] Similar devices can also be used to relieve nasal dryness symptoms, as well as moisten the nasal cavity and facial skin. Therefore, the present invention also discloses methods and devices for relieving nasal dryness symptoms, as well as moisturizing the respiratory tract and facial skin. The device for relieving nasal dryness symptoms and moisturizing the respiratory tract can be the same as or similar to the eye moisturizing device. In some embodiments, it is similar to the eye moisturizing device, except that it only covers the nasal region. An example is shown Figure 16 as shown. It has a nasal cone structure that can be placed on the nose, and its inner surface can also have a moisture-absorbing material, such as a content, fabric, to retain the moisture generated by breathing. The user can place it on the nose and breathe to moisten the nose, as Figure 16 shown.

[0048] The facial skin moisturizing device can be the same as or similar to the eye moisturizing device. In some embodiments, it is similar to the eye moisturizing device, but covers the entire face. An example is shown in Figure 17. In some embodiments, the area in front of the eyes is open, so that vision is not affected, as shown in the examples in Figures 17c, d, and e.

[0049] In some embodiments, the mask of the device of the present invention can have a structural means that allows the addition of foreign glass / lenses. As Figure 18 shown, the perspective area directly in front of the eyes has a groove / pocket frame 21 or other snap devices that allow the insertion of a scratch-resistant glass plate 22. As long as the shape / size of the frame 21 remains unchanged, the glass plates can be mass-produced to fit different-shaped masks. Lenses 23 can also be inserted. As Figure 18 shown in c. The area 24 directly in front of the eyes can be open and unsealed, as Figure 18 shown in d, e. The glass plate 25 or the lens 26 can be inserted into the groove / pocket frame in front of the opening 24. As Figure 18 shown in c and 18f, two lenses (such as prescription glasses lenses) can be inserted instead of a single flat plate.

[0050] In some embodiments, the face mask of the device of the present invention can also be customized or tailored according to the needs of the user of the device to better conform to the shape and contour of the user's face, providing a better fit. This can also enable the device to better adapt to the user's preferences, providing the user with a higher degree of choice and customizability in selecting the preferred shape, style, or design of the device. The operator or the user himself can use a scanning application to draw the shape and contour of the user's facial structure. The information can then be sent to a production center for creating a customized facial device for that user. The creation mode can involve 3D printing or other manufacturing methods. Certain components can be created or manufactured separately. Alternatively, certain structures, such as the perspective area directly in front of the eyes (e.g., a piece of glass with an anti-fog coating), can be manufactured by mass production and then customized by joining to other components or embedded in a customized face mask structure. In some embodiments, the user can use a mobile phone application to scan his face or go to a reading center (such as a local store or a doctor's office) to scan his face (e.g., using a scanner, such as a 3D laser scanner) to obtain information about the shape and contour of the face. Additionally, this information can be used to create a 3D model. Software or a mobile phone APP can add different types / shapes / styles of device equipment to the 3D model and present the user with a visual effect of the user wearing the device to allow the user to select his preferred type / shape / style. The facial device information with the optional type / shape / style selection is sent to a production center to manufacture a device suitable for the user's facial device structure and selection. The final product will be sent back to the user. An example of this process is shown in FIG. 19. It shows a method of making a customized device for a user.

[0051] In this application, the " / " symbol represents "and" and / or "or" and / or combinations thereof. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the level of those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents and publications are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. The above inventions relate to many well-known machines, instruments, methods, and skills. Those skilled in the art can easily find this knowledge from textbooks such as textbooks, scientific journal papers, and other well-known reference materials.

Claims

1. An apparatus for alleviating dry eye symptoms in a subject in need thereof, the apparatus comprising a face mask covering the nose, an exhalation deflector, and means for attaching the apparatus to the face.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the face mask covers the nose without covering the mouth.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exhalation deflector is located below the nose.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for attaching the apparatus to the face is selected from a headband, a tether, a strap, temple pieces, and combinations thereof.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the face mask has an anti-fog coating.

6. A method for alleviating dry eye symptoms in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising delivering the subject's exhalation to his or her eye area to provide moisture for alleviating dry eye by attaching an apparatus to the face, wherein the apparatus comprises a face mask covering the nose, a respiration deflector, and means for attaching the apparatus to the face.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the face mask covers the nose without covering the mouth.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the respiration deflector is located below the nose.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein the face mask has an anti-fog coating.

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