Eye treatment

Abstract

Methods and kits for treating or preventing an eye condition or for cleaning an eye area tissue are provided. A method of the invention includes administering an isoprenoidal essential oil to eye area tissue, chafing eye area tissue with an abrasive, and removing the abrasive. A kit according to the invention includes an isoprenoidal essential oil, an abrasive for chafing eye area tissue, and in instruction for use for treating an eye condition or cleansing an eye area tissue. The invention also includes a composition of matter comprising an isoprenoidal essential oil and a plurality of abrasive particles in ophthamologically acceptable base.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS?[0001]This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 428,043, filed Dec. 29, 2010, titled “Eye Treatment”. This application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE[0002]All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.FIELD[0003]The present invention pertains to methods and kits for treating and preventing eye and body conditions and for cleaning eye area tissue. The invention also pertains to a composition of matter usable by the methods and kits.BACKGROUND[0004]Problems in and around the eyelid can be caused by various diseases or conditions. Causes include seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), the presence of a bacterial infection (commonly Sta...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about a method and kit for treating eye conditions such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis, dry eye, and others, or for cleaning eye area tissue. The method involves applying an isoprenoidal essential oil to the eye tissue, followed by chafing the tissue with an abrasive and then removing the abrasive. The isoprenoidal essential oil can include tea tree oil, which is used at a concentration of 0.5% to 4% in a base. The abrasive can include particles of various sizes, such as from 1 μm to 600 μm in a longest dimension. The kit includes the isoprenoidal essential oil, an abrasive, and an applicator for applying the isoprenoidal essential oil to the eye tissue. The composition of matter includes the isoprenoidal essential oil and abrasive particles in an ophthalmologically acceptable base. The technical effects of this invention are that it provides an effective and safe treatment for eye conditions and helps to clean eye area tissue by reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

Problems solved by technology

Eyelid problems can result in blepharitis, which is an inflammation, often chronic, of the eyelid.

The presence of ocular rosacea is commonly characterized by irritation, dryness, redness in the eyes, grittiness in the eyes, and / or blurry vision.

Of note, even using frequent (e.g. twice daily) and relatively long application times over the course of many weeks, 5% tea tree oil treatment was of limited efficacy in treating acne.

Increasingly aggressive acne treatment modalities may be used, as shown by the use of oral medications such as isotretinoin, which has significant side effects on the entire body for individuals whose acne cannot be managed by other methods.

Simple, effective and safe acne treatments are still lacking.

These acne treatments tend to be harsh, and harsh treatments have traditionally been thought to worsen the symptoms of rosacea.

Even use of a bath puff or washcloth is discouraged as it can be irritating.

However, there are toxicity concerns with use of these chemicals.

Additionally, they were not effective at eliminating blepharitis.

The efficacy of this as a topical application is unknown and possible side effects due to the use of avermectin and milbemycin are a concern.

The authors found that application of tea tree oil, caraway oil, and dill weed oil in vitro would kill Demodex.

The treatment was tolerated by many patients; however others felt eyelid irritation and experienced eyelid spasms during the office tea tree oil treatment.

Although the combined treatments rid the eyelids of mites in a majority of the cases, the treatments are inconvenient and costly, requiring weekly visits to the doctor or clinic, as well as additional daily treatments for up to three months.

This treatment causes superficial abrasion that removes a layer of stratum corneum of the skin.

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