Dry eye treatment device

Abstract

The application provides a dry eye treatment device, which comprises an eye cup, a cup-shaped part of the eye cup is positioned between an eyelid of a patient and an eyeball of the patient, the cup-shaped part of the eye cup comprises a first side and a second side, the first side faces the eyelid of the patient, the second side faces the eyeball of the patient, the cup-shaped part of the eye cup has a cavity, and the first side is provided with a plurality of through holes communicating with the cavity; a liquid inlet pipe communicating with the cavity is arranged to provide liquid to the cavity; and a liquid outlet pipe communicating with the cavity is arranged to extract liquid from the cavity. The application comprehensively utilizes heating, flushing, suction and extrusion and the like to achieve the purpose of cleaning and dredging meibomian glands, thereby promoting the recovery of the function of the meibomian glands to the maximum extent, so that the discomfort caused by dry eye can be relieved, and the damage caused by dry eye to the eyes can be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to therapeutic devices for mammalian eyes, and more particularly to a dry eye therapeutic device. Background Technology

[0002] The incidence of dry eye disease in China is increasing year by year, and it has become one of the most common eye diseases. Dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, refers to a group of diseases characterized by abnormalities in the quality or quantity of tears, or abnormal tear dynamics leading to decreased tear film stability, accompanied by eye discomfort or damage to the ocular surface tissues. Patients mainly experience dryness, foreign body sensation, burning sensation, photophobia, blurred vision, and eye strain.

[0003] In 2007, the International Dry Eye Symposium emphasized the impact of tear film stability and ocular surface diseases on dry eye and revised the definition of dry eye. In 2013, the Corneal Disease Group of the Ophthalmology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, referencing current classification methods, proposed a classification of dry eye in my country, dividing it into five types: aqueous hypothermia, evaporative hyperthermia, mucin deficiency, tear dynamics abnormalities, and mixed types. Evaporative hyperthermia is the most common, primarily caused by Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Whether considering its impact on tear film stability or ocular surface diseases, the normal secretion of meibomian glands has a significant influence on the pathogenesis of dry eye. The meibomian glands are the largest sebaceous glands in the human body, arranged vertically in the eyelids, opening at the eyelid margin. The lipids they secrete mainly constitute the outermost lipid film of the tear film, reducing tear evaporation and thus stabilizing the tear film. Meibomian gland dysfunction refers to chronic, nonspecific inflammation of the meibomian glands, characterized by obstruction of the meibomian gland ducts or abnormal meibomian gland secretions. It is the most common cause of dry eye. It is more likely to occur in people who stare at the eyes for long periods of time, frequently stay up late, live in dry environments, or use eye drops for extended periods.

[0004] The latest diagnostic criteria for dry eye in Asia state that dry eye symptoms combined with a tear film break-up time (BUT) ≤ 5 seconds are sufficient for diagnosis. my country's diagnostic criteria for dry eye are: a subjective symptom of dryness, foreign body sensation, burning sensation, fatigue, discomfort, or fluctuating vision, along with a BUT ≤ 5 seconds or a Schirmer I test (without topical anesthesia, a tear secretion test) ≤ 5 mm / 5 min; or a subjective symptom of the above, with 5 seconds < BUT ≤ 10 seconds or 5 mm / 5 min < Schirmer I test result (without topical anesthesia) ≤ 10 mm / 5 min, accompanied by positive corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining. The biggest advantage of Asia's latest diagnostic criteria for dry eye compared to those in my country and other countries is its simplicity and broad applicability to most patients. Most patients with a Schirmer test ≤ 5 mm / 5 min generally have a BUT ≤ 5 seconds; for most patients with corneal staining, the BUT is usually ≤ 5 seconds. Therefore, BUT≤5s can cover most dry eye patients. BUT represents tear film stability. BUT≤5s indicates poor tear film stability. Poor tear film stability is both an initiating factor and a consequence of dry eye. Tear film stability plays a crucial role in dry eye disease.

[0005] Studies have found that the best substitute for tears is the patient's own serum, but due to limited availability, artificial tears are currently the most effective treatment for dry eye disease. Besides medications such as artificial tears, physical therapies such as warm compresses and massage play a crucial role in improving symptoms on top of drug treatment. Warm compresses can melt abnormally solidified meibomian gland secretions, thus clearing the meibomian gland drainage channels. Massage can squeeze out lipid secretions stored in the meibomian glands. Therefore, the medical community generally considers warm compresses, squeezing, and cleaning to be the three basic principles of physical therapy for dry eye disease. Currently, countries such as the United States and Europe have widely begun to use instruments for physical therapy, with the instrument developed by TearScience in the United States being a prime example. The meibomian gland thermal artery device consists of a thermal artery activator and a temperature and pressure control system. The activator comprises a heater and an eyecup. A gap is left between the eyecup and the heater, filled with insulating material to prevent corneal damage. The eyecup contacts the sclera, avoiding direct contact with the cornea to prevent damage. The protruding part of the eyecup contains a heating element and a temperature sensor. The temperature is typically controlled at 42-44 degrees Celsius, and the meibomian gland is heated once every 12 minutes through the inner surface of the eyelid. A balloon is placed on the surface of the eyelid to apply pressure to the meibomian gland, controlled at 0-100 kPa, in the direction of the meibomian gland opening. In recent years, instruments that can replace manual physical therapy have gradually emerged in China, including some imported foreign products.

[0006] However, the inventors discovered that both domestic and international thermal artery devices rely on accumulated experience to regulate temperature and pressure. The biggest problem with this method is that relying solely on temperature is insufficient to melt the sebum blocking the meibomian glands, or to address other types of blockage caused by keratinization of the meibomian gland openings, making it difficult to restore meibomian gland function. Secondly, these heating methods act directly on the very delicate inner surface of the eyelid, a highly temperature-sensitive area, thus preventing further temperature increases. While local anesthesia of the eyeball may alleviate symptoms, decreased patient consciousness increases the likelihood of meibomian gland burns or even inflammation. Thirdly, because the heating resistor element is integrated into the eye mask device, the resulting electromagnetic waves pose a significant risk of eye damage. Existing literature indicates that direct electromagnetic irradiation of lens epithelial cells can lead to the development and progression of cataracts. Furthermore, foreign instruments are not only scarce in China but also extremely expensive; surveys have found that the cost of a single treatment in both domestic and international markets far exceeds what the general public can afford. With electronic products becoming an indispensable part of people's lives, research has shown that prolonged use of electronic products has a significant impact on the eyes. With today's increasingly fast-paced lifestyle, the convenience that a simple and stable instrument brings to an individual's life is self-evident. The 21st century is the era of intelligent technology, making it even more important to know how to control and use instruments more scientifically. This invention will play a crucial role in addressing these current realities and challenges.

[0007] Therefore, how to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a dry eye treatment device to unclog the meibomian glands, promote the recovery of meibomian gland function to the greatest extent, thereby relieving the discomfort caused by dry eye and avoiding the damage to the eyes caused by dry eye is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the problems in existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a dry eye treatment device that comprehensively utilizes heating, rinsing, suction, and squeezing to unclog the meibomian glands, maximizing the recovery of meibomian gland function, thereby alleviating the discomfort caused by dry eye and preventing damage to the eyes. Compared to existing technologies that rely solely on heating the eye cup to dissolve meibomian gland blockages, this invention prioritizes liquid rinsing combined with heating, squeezing, and massage. This reduces the operating temperature, eliminating the need to heat the liquid to excessively high temperatures to dissolve and clean the meibomian gland blockages, thus reducing the possibility of meibomian gland burns or even inflammation. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to place the heating element inside the eye cup, preventing potential irreversible damage to the eyes from excessive electromagnetic waves.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a dry eye treatment device is provided, comprising:

[0010] An eye cup, wherein the cup-shaped portion of the eye cup is positioned between the patient's eyelid and the patient's eyeball, the cup-shaped portion of the eye cup includes a first side and a second side, the first side facing the patient's eyelid and the second side facing the patient's eyeball, the cup-shaped portion of the eye cup has a cavity, and the first side is provided with a plurality of through holes connecting the cavity;

[0011] A liquid inlet pipe, which connects to the cavity to supply liquid to the cavity;

[0012] A liquid outlet pipe is connected to the cavity to draw liquid from the cavity.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cavity includes a first cavity and a second cavity that are not connected within the cavity, the inlet pipe is connected to the first cavity, the outlet pipe is connected to the second cavity, and the plurality of through holes provided on the first side includes a first through hole connected to the first cavity and a second through hole connected to the second cavity.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first cavity and the second cavity are separated by a closed ring member, so that the first cavity surrounds the second cavity.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, it further includes:

[0016] A temperature control device is connected to the inlet pipe to supply temperature-controlled liquid to the inlet pipe.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, it further includes:

[0018] A negative pressure device, connected to the outlet tube, is used to perform a suction action on the meibomian glands to draw fluid from the cavity through the outlet tube. The negative pressure device can provide negative pressure near the meibomian glands to achieve the suction function.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, the eye cup includes a grip portion connected to the second side, and the dry eye treatment device further includes:

[0020] A squeezing unit is connected to the gripping part, and when the cup-shaped part of the eye cup is positioned between the patient's eyelid and the patient's eyeball, the squeezing unit is located on the outer side of the patient's eyelid to provide squeezing force to the patient's eyelid from the outer side of the patient's eyelid.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, the extrusion unit includes:

[0022] The protective plate includes a first connecting part and a shaping part. The first connecting part is connected to the gripping part, and the shaping part is provided with an air inlet and a connecting tongue.

[0023] An airbag, comprising a second connecting portion and an airbag portion, wherein the second connecting portion is sleeved on the shaping portion and is limited by the connecting tongue so as to be shaped by the shaping portion, the airbag portion is in close contact with the outer side of the patient's eyelid, and the air inlet of the shaping portion is connected to the airbag portion so as to inflate the airbag portion through the air inlet so as to provide a squeezing force to the patient's eyelid on the outer side of the patient's eyelid.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present invention, the extrusion unit includes:

[0025] Two separate pairs of protective panels and airbags are used to correspond to the patient's upper and lower eyelids respectively; or

[0026] The protective plate is formed by one-piece molding of the upper and lower protective plates, and the airbag is formed by one-piece molding of the upper and lower airbags.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention, it further includes:

[0028] The controller is configured to control the control parameters of the dry eye treatment device, the control parameters including one or more of the following: the flow rate of the inlet tube, the negative pressure of the negative pressure device, the pressure of the squeezing unit, and the temperature of the temperature control device;

[0029] The sensor unit, configured to communicate with the controller, includes one or more sensors selected from a pressure sensor, a pumping pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a flow rate sensor.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, it further includes:

[0031] A timing module communicates with the controller to enable the controller to periodically control the control parameters of the dry eye treatment device.

[0032] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0033] The dry eye treatment device provided by this invention comprehensively utilizes heating, rinsing, suction, and squeezing to remove substances clogging the meibomian glands to the greatest extent possible, while avoiding the negative effects of direct heating on the eyes. It uses a more precise and scientific instrument to solve the dilemma of dry eye patients not being able to obtain stable physical therapy according to their specific conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional perspective view of the dry eye treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the dry eye treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a dry eye treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the protective plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the airbag according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the device state detection according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the controller controlling the operation of the dry eye treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0044] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0045] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two elements or components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0046] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0047] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a dry eye treatment device.

[0048] First see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional perspective view of the dry eye treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the dry eye treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the dry eye treatment device includes an eye cup 1, an inlet tube 13, and an outlet tube 14.

[0050] The cup-shaped portion 10 of the eye cup 1 is positioned on the patient's eyelid (reference). Figure 3 The upper and lower eyelids (represented by reference numerals 221 and 222) are compared with the patient's eyeball (see reference). Figure 3 Reference numerals 21 and 222 are used in the attached figures. The cup-shaped portion 10 of the eye cup 1 includes a first side 101 and a second side 102. The first side 101 faces the patient's eyelids 221 and 222. The second side 102 faces the patient's eyeball 21.

[0051] Specifically, when the cup-shaped portion 10 is positioned between the patient's eyelids 221 and 222 and the patient's eyeball 21, the first side 101 contacts the inner side of the patient's eyelids 221 and 222, and the second side 102 contacts the sclera of the patient's eyeball 21. At the same time, the second side 102 avoids direct contact with the cornea of ​​the patient's eyeball 21 to avoid damaging the cornea.

[0052] The cup-shaped portion 10 of the eye cup 1 has a cavity 12, and the first side surface 101 is provided with a plurality of through holes 111 and 112 communicating with the cavity 12.

[0053] The inlet pipe 13 is connected to the cavity 12 to supply liquid to the cavity 12. The outlet pipe 14 is connected to the cavity 12 to extract liquid from the cavity 12.

[0054] Thus, liquid can enter the cavity 12 from the inlet pipe 13 and flow out from the first side 101 through the through hole 111, thereby contacting the patient's eyelids 221 and 222. Liquid inside the patient's eyelids 221 and 222 can flow into the cavity 12 through the through hole 112 of the first side 101 and be drawn out by the outlet pipe 14, thereby dissolving and flushing the blockages in the patient's eyelids 221 and 222 through the liquid.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cavity 12 of the cup-shaped portion 10 of the eye cup 1 may include a first cavity 121 and a second cavity 122 that are not connected within the cavity 12. The inlet pipe 13 is connected only to the first cavity 121. The outlet pipe 14 is connected only to the second cavity 122. Correspondingly, the plurality of through holes provided on the first side surface 101 include a first through hole 111 connecting the first cavity 121 and a second through hole 112 connecting the second cavity 122.

[0056] Thus, the liquid entering through the inlet pipe 13 reaches the first cavity 121 and flows out through the first through hole 111 of the first side 101 to contact the patient's eyelids 221 and 222. Liquid inside the patient's eyelids 221 and 222 can flow into the second cavity 122 through the second through hole 112 of the first side 101 and be drawn out by the outlet pipe 14. The first cavity 121 and the second cavity 122 are not connected within the cavity 12, so the clean liquid and the liquid used to rinse the eyelids will not mix within the cavity 12, thereby achieving better dissolution, contact, and rinsing effects.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first cavity 121 and the second cavity 122 are separated by a sealing ring 123, and the first cavity 121 surrounds the second cavity 122. Specifically, the sealing ring 123 can be, for example, an O-ring disposed within the cavity 12. The present invention is not limited thereto, and other shapes of partitions are also within the scope of protection of the present invention. Further, in order to optimize the dissolving contact and rinsing effect of the liquid on the patient's eyelid, the first cavity 121 surrounds the second cavity 122, so that the first through hole 111 of the first side 101 is located radially outward of the first side 101 compared to the second through hole 112. The liquid entering through the inlet pipe 13 can first contact the radially outward side of the patient's eyelid through the first through hole 111, and can flow to the radially inward side of the patient's eyelid due to the negative pressure of the outlet pipe 14, and then be drawn out by the outlet pipe 14 through the second through hole 112. Thus, the contact area between the liquid and the patient's eyelid can be increased. This invention is not limited thereto, and other positional relationships between the second cavity 122 and the first cavity 121, and between the first cavity 121 and the second cavity 122 are also within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, the dry eye treatment device may further include a negative pressure device (see [link to invention]). Figure 3 (Ref. 32). The negative pressure device 32 is connected to the outlet tube 14 to provide negative pressure to the outlet tube 14, thereby achieving a suction function, allowing the outlet tube 14 to draw liquid from the cavity 12 (second cavity 122). Specifically, the negative pressure device 32 is used to provide negative pressure near the meibomian glands, so that the mixture of meibomian gland fluid, dissolved meibomian gland blockage, and secretions discharged by the meibomian glands that enter through the inlet tube 13 can enter the cavity 12 (second cavity 122) through the negative pressure provided by the negative pressure device 32 and flow out through the outlet tube 14, thereby achieving the suction function. Furthermore, the negative pressure of the outlet tube 14 can be controlled by the negative pressure device 32, which facilitates the control of the liquid extraction time, extraction speed, etc., thereby controlling the contact time between the liquid and the patient's eyelids and improving the treatment effect of dry eye.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, the dry eye treatment device may further include a temperature control device (see [link to invention]). Figure 3(Ref. 31). A temperature control device 31 is connected to the inlet pipe 13 to supply temperature-controlled liquid to the inlet pipe 13. Thus, the temperature control device 31 can control the heating of the liquid in contact with the patient's eyelids, eliminating the need for a heating element in the cup-shaped portion 10 of the eyecup 1 (e.g., within the cavity 12). This avoids the heating element being too close to the patient's eyelids / eyeball, generating excessive electromagnetic waves that could potentially cause irreversible damage to the eyes. Furthermore, compared to simply using a heating element in the cup-shaped portion 10 of the eyecup 1 to dissolve eyelid blockages, heating the liquid achieves a better dissolution effect. Therefore, excessively high temperatures are unnecessary. Moreover, compared to using a heating element in the eyecup 1, the liquid temperature achieves better results while lowering the operating temperature, thereby reducing the possibility of meibomian gland burns or even inflammation.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, the eye cup 1 includes a grip portion 15 connected to the second side 102. The grip portion 15 facilitates operation by medical personnel to position the cup-shaped portion 10 of the eye cup 1 between the patient's eyelids 221 and 222 and the patient's eyeball 21.

[0061] In the above embodiments, the dry eye treatment device may further include a squeezing unit. The squeezing unit is connected to the gripping portion 15, and when the cup-shaped portion 10 of the eyecup 1 is positioned between the patient's eyelids 221 and 222 and the patient's eyeball 21, the squeezing unit is located lateral to the patient's eyelids 221 and 222 to provide squeezing force to the patient's eyelids 221 and 222 from the lateral side. Thus, squeezing and massaging of the patient's eyelids 221 and 222 can be achieved through the squeezing unit.

[0062] The following is combined Figures 3 to 5 The extrusion unit provided in the embodiments of the present invention is described. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a dry eye treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the protective plate according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the airbag according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] The compression unit may include protective plates 311 and 312 and airbags 321 and 322. Specifically, the compression unit may include an upper protective plate 311 and an upper airbag 321 acting on the upper eyelid 221; and a lower protective plate 312 and a lower airbag 322 acting on the lower eyelid 222. In this embodiment, the upper protective plate 311 and the lower protective plate 312 of the compression unit are independently arranged, and the upper airbag 321 and the lower airbag 322 of the compression unit may also be independently arranged. In other embodiments, the upper protective plate 311 and the lower protective plate 312 of the compression unit may be integrally formed or connected together to form a single component. In still other embodiments, the upper airbag 321 and the lower airbag 322 of the compression unit may also be integrally formed or connected together to form a single component. The present invention can achieve many more variations, which will not be elaborated here.

[0064] Specifically, the structure of the upper guard plate 311 will be described using this as an example. The structure of the lower guard plate 312 is similar to that of the upper guard plate 311, and will not be described in detail here. The upper guard plate 311 includes a first connecting part 3111 and a shaping part 3112. The first connecting part 3111 is connected to the gripping part 15. Specifically, the first connecting part 3111 can be detachably connected to the gripping part 15. Figure 4 and Figure 2 As shown, the gripping part 15 may be provided with a notch for engaging the first connecting part 3111, thereby achieving the connection between the first connecting part 3111 and the gripping part 15. Other connection methods are also within the protection scope of this invention. The shaping part 3112 is provided with an air inlet 3113 and a connecting tongue 3114.

[0065] Specifically, the structure of the airbag is described using the upper airbag 321 as an example. The structure of the lower airbag 322 is similar to that of the upper airbag 321, and will not be described in detail here. The upper airbag 321 includes a second connecting part 3211 and an airbag part 3212 (similarly, the lower airbag 322 also includes a second connecting part 3221 and an airbag part 3222). The second connecting part 3211 is sleeved on the shaping part 3112 for support and shaping. Specifically, the second connecting part 3211 may be provided with a through hole corresponding to the connecting tongue 3114, so that the connecting tongue 3114 passes through the corresponding through hole of the second connecting part 3211 to achieve positioning connection. This invention is not limited thereto, and other positioning connection methods are also within the protection scope of this invention. The air bladder portion 3212 is fitted tightly against the outer side of the patient's eyelid, and the air inlet 3113 of the shaping portion 3112 is connected to the air bladder portion 3212 to inflate the air bladder portion 3212 through the air inlet 3113. Thus, the size of the air bladder portion 3212 is adjusted to provide a compressive force to the patient's eyelid from the outer side.

[0066] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the upper protective plate 311 and the lower protective plate 312 may be made of plastic material to have a fixedly shaped form. The upper airbag 321 and the lower airbag 322 may be made of silicone material, thereby enabling the size of their airbag portions 3212 to be controlled by gas.

[0067] Specifically, see [link to relevant document] Figure 3 The compression unit can be connected to the gas control device 33, thereby controlling the inflation and pressure of the upper airbag 321 and the lower airbag 322 through the gas control device 33, so as to control the compression and massage of the patient's eyelids 221 and 222.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, the dry eye treatment device may further include a controller (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3 (Ref. 34). Controller 34 is configured to control the control parameters of the dry eye treatment device. The control parameters include one or more of the following: the flow rate of the inlet tube, the negative pressure of the negative pressure device, the pressure of the squeezing unit, and the temperature of the temperature control device. Specifically, controller 34 can communicate with temperature control device 31, negative pressure device 32, and gas control device 33 to control these devices. The communication connection includes, but is not limited to, various wireless and wired connections.

[0069] The dry eye treatment device may also include a sensor unit (not shown in the figures). The sensor unit is configured to communicate with the controller 34. This communication includes, but is not limited to, various wireless and wired communication methods. The sensor unit may include one or more sensors selected from pressure sensors, suction sensors, temperature sensors, and flow rate sensors to sense the corresponding control parameters of the dry eye treatment device. Specifically, the sensor unit can be set up and installed as needed, and this is not a limitation of the invention. Thus, the controller 34 can use the actual control parameters of the dry eye treatment device obtained from the sensor unit to control the temperature control device 31, the negative pressure device 32, and the gas control device 33.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present invention, the dry eye treatment device may further include a timing module (not shown in the figures). The timing module may be built into or external to the controller 34, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The timing module may communicate with the controller 34 to enable the controller 34 to periodically control the control parameters of the dry eye treatment device. Further, the specific application and control of the timing module will be discussed below. Figure 7 The details will not be elaborated here.

[0071] See below. Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the device state detection according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This invention is merely an illustrative representation of the detection process for the working status of each module, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0072] First, step S110 checks the operating status of the device. Step S110 is equivalent to the start-up step for checking the operating status. Then, steps S120, S140, S160, and S180 can be executed in parallel or sequentially to determine whether the positive pressure (positive pressure of the airbag), negative pressure (negative pressure of the outlet pipe 14), liquid temperature (inlet temperature of the inlet pipe 13), and flow rate (liquid flow rate of the inlet pipe 13) have reached preset thresholds. If all of them have reached the preset thresholds, the process can end directly. If step S120 determines that the positive pressure (positive pressure of the airbag) has not reached the preset threshold (e.g., 23.99 kPa), then step S130 can be used to adjust the gas control device 33 so that the positive pressure of the airbag reaches the preset threshold. If step S140 determines that the negative pressure (negative pressure of the outlet pipe 14) has not reached the preset threshold (e.g., -2.66 kPa), then step S150 can be used to adjust the negative pressure device 32 so that the negative pressure of the outlet pipe 14 reaches the preset threshold. If step S160 determines that the liquid temperature (inlet temperature of the inlet pipe 13) has not reached the preset threshold (e.g., 42 degrees Celsius), then step S170 can be used to adjust the temperature control device 31 so that the inlet temperature of the inlet pipe 13 reaches the preset threshold. If step S180 determines that the flow rate (liquid flow rate of the inlet pipe 13) has not reached the preset threshold (e.g., 5 mL / min), then step S190 can be used to adjust the liquid flow rate of the inlet pipe 13 so that the liquid flow rate of the inlet pipe 13 reaches the preset threshold.

[0073] The preset thresholds in the above steps can be set as needed, and this invention is not limited thereto.

[0074] See below. Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the controller controlling the operation of the dry eye treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] The first step is S210: Start the timer module. For example, the timer module can be set to run continuously for 10-15 minutes, but this invention is not limited thereto.

[0076] Then, step S220 is executed to determine whether the timing module is running. If the timing module is running, steps S241 and S242 are executed cyclically. In step S241, a liquid at a set temperature (such as saline) is introduced into the patient's eyelid through the inlet tube 13 to dissolve the eyelid blockage; simultaneously, the airbag is controlled to squeeze and massage the eyelid on the outer side to accelerate dissolution. Step S241 can last for 5 to 10 seconds. In step S242, the airbag pressure is reduced so that the airbag is not tightly attached to the outer side of the eyelid, and the outlet tube 14 is controlled to perform negative pressure aspiration to achieve eyelid flushing. Step S242 can last for 5 to 10 seconds. Steps S241 and S242 can be executed cyclically during the operation of the timing module. Furthermore, the timing module has an accuracy of one second, thus the switching time between steps S241 and S242 can be determined by the timing module. If step S220 determines that the timing module has stopped running, then step S250 is executed to reset the device (steps S241 and S242 are no longer executed repeatedly, and the device is placed in the initial state), and the process ends.

[0077] Furthermore, after the timing module is started in step S210, step S230 can be executed synchronously to determine whether there is a manual interruption or abnormal terminal. If step S230 determines no, steps S241 and S242 can continue to be executed in a loop. If step S230 determines yes, step S250 is executed to reset the device (steps S241 and S242 are no longer executed in a loop, and the device is placed in the initial state), and the process ends.

[0078] The above is merely an illustrative description of the process by which the controller of the present invention controls the operation of the dry eye treatment device, and the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto.

[0079] The above is merely an illustrative description of various embodiments of the present invention. Each embodiment can be used alone or in combination. The present invention is not intended to be limited thereto. Without departing from the concept of the present invention, changes in the number, shape, and installation method of each component are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0080] The dry eye treatment device provided by this invention comprehensively utilizes heating, rinsing, suction, and squeezing to remove substances clogging the meibomian glands to the greatest extent possible, while avoiding the negative effects of direct heating on the eyes. It uses a more precise and scientific instrument to solve the dilemma of dry eye patients not being able to obtain stable physical therapy according to their specific conditions.

[0081] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific implementation of the present invention is limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dry eye treatment device, characterized by, The device comprises: an eye cup, a cup-shaped part of the eye cup is positioned between a patient's eyelid and a patient's eyeball, the cup-shaped part of the eye cup comprises a first side and a second side, the first side faces the patient's eyelid, and the second side faces the patient's eyeball, the cup-shaped part of the eye cup has a cavity, and the first side is provided with a plurality of through holes communicating with the cavity; a liquid inlet pipe communicating with the cavity to supply liquid to the cavity; a liquid outlet pipe communicating with the cavity to extract liquid from the cavity; liquid enters the cavity from the liquid inlet pipe and flows out of the first side through the through holes, thereby contacting the patient's eyelid; liquid inside the patient's eyelid flows into the cavity through the through holes of the first side and is extracted by the liquid outlet pipe; a temperature control device connected to the liquid inlet pipe to supply liquid heated and controlled in temperature to the liquid inlet pipe.

2. The dry eye treatment device of claim 1, wherein, The cavity comprises a first cavity and a second cavity which are not communicated in the cavity, the liquid inlet pipe communicates with the first cavity, the liquid outlet pipe communicates with the second cavity, and the plurality of through holes provided on the first side comprise first through holes communicating with the first cavity and second through holes communicating with the second cavity.

3. The dry eye treatment device of claim 2, wherein, The first cavity is separated from the second cavity by a closed ring, and the first cavity surrounds the second cavity.

4. The dry eye treatment device of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: a negative pressure device connected to the liquid outlet pipe for performing suction on the meibomian glands to extract liquid from the cavity through the liquid outlet pipe.

5. The dry eye treatment device of claim 1, wherein, The eye cup comprises a holding part connected to the second side, and the dry eye treatment device further comprises: a squeezing unit connected to the holding part, and when the cup-shaped part of the eye cup is positioned between the patient's eyelid and the patient's eyeball, the squeezing unit is located outside the patient's eyelid to provide a squeezing force to the patient's eyelid outside the patient's eyelid.

6. The dry eye treatment device of claim 5, wherein, The squeezing unit comprises: a shield comprising a first connecting part connected to the holding part and a shaped part provided with an air inlet and a connecting tongue; an air bag comprising a second connecting part sleeved on the shaped part and connected by the connecting tongue to be shaped by the shaped part, and the air bag part abuts against the outside of the patient's eyelid, and the air inlet of the shaped part communicates with the air bag part to inflate the air bag part through the air inlet to provide a squeezing force to the patient's eyelid outside the patient's eyelid.

7. The dry eye treatment device of claim 6, wherein, The squeezing unit comprises: two pairs of independent shields and air bags corresponding to the patient's upper eyelid and lower eyelid respectively; or a shield integrally formed by an upper shield and a lower shield, and an air bag integrally formed by an upper air bag and a lower air bag.

8. The dry eye treatment device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, Further comprising: a controller configured to control control parameters of the dry eye treatment device, the control parameters comprising one or more of the flow rate of the liquid inlet pipe, the negative pressure of the negative pressure device, the pressure of the squeezing unit, and the temperature of the temperature control device; a sensor unit configured to communicate with the controller, comprising one or more of a pressure sensor, a suction pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a flow rate sensor.

9. The dry eye treatment device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, Further comprising: a timing module in communication with the controller to cause the controller to periodically control a control parameter of the dry eye treatment device.

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