System and method for treating dry eye disease using radio frequency

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a system and method for treating dry eye disease / dry eye syndrome in a subject, the system including a controller and an energy signal generator. Further included is at least one energy applicator configured to receive the energy signal from the energy signal generator and to apply a first energy signal and a second energy signal different from the first energy signal to a periorbital region of the eye of the subject. Wherein the first energy signal is configured to heat meibomian glands of the eye to a predetermined temperature and the second energy signal is configured to heat collagenous fibers in the eye to a predetermined temperature.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application relates to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 532,731, filed August 15, 2023, entitled “DEVICE AND METHOD FOR IMPROVINGDRY EYE DISEASE USING RADIOFREQUENCY”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The published text relates to the medical field. Specifically, but not exclusively, it relates to systems and methods for treating dry eye disease. Background Technology

[0004] Dry eye is a common condition that can cause discomfort and may lead to inflammation and damage to the surface of the eye.

[0005] Meibomian glands, located in the inner eyelid, are responsible for producing meibomian glands—an oily secretion that forms a protective coating on the tear film, thus protecting the eyes. When the meibomian glands malfunction or become blocked, meibomian gland secretion decreases or becomes blocked, leading to faster tear film evaporation and potentially dry eye syndrome. A common type of blockage is blepharitis—a chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin that can be caused by pathogens such as bacteria and skin mites (Demodex mites). Additionally, blinking is responsible for spreading nourishing tears and meibomian glands across the entire eye. Incomplete blinking (the upper and lower eyelids not touching) can cause or worsen dry eye syndrome.

[0006] Traditional treatments for dry eye include eye drops and topical steroids and ointments. Recently, medical devices have been introduced that can enhance or even replace the use of these medications.

[0007] U.S. Patent Nos. 9,333,370 and 10,085,814 have been assigned to the assignee of the published text, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, relating to the treatment of dry eye using light energy. For example, light-based treatments (such as those utilizing IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)) have long-lasting effects and have successfully eliminated bacteria and skin mites, and halted the inflammatory cycle. IPL can be used to treat the inflammatory causes of dry eye, stimulate the meibomian glands, and accelerate healing. The purpose of using a light source is to generate heat and induce light modulation to heat the meibomian gland area, softening the pasty secretions into a more liquid form, making the glands easier to squeeze. During treatment, one or more light pulses can be delivered to the patient's eyelids or the periocular area around the eye. Care should be taken to avoid direct light exposure to the cornea and to avoid exposing eyelashes to the energy (to avoid hair loss). Additionally, direct exposure of the cornea and other ocular surfaces to IPL should be avoided. IPL treatment typically requires several sessions (3 to 5) to achieve maximum effect, which may take approximately one month. During this period, the patient continued to suffer from pain and discomfort. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The subject matter disclosed in this article provides systems and methods for treating dry eye disease by at least improving ocular surface lubrication or by otherwise reducing dry eye syndrome.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed text content discloses a system for treating dry eye disease / dry eye syndrome in a subject. The system includes at least one energy applicator configured to apply a first energy signal and a second energy signal, different from the first energy signal, to a targeted treatment area in the periocular region of the subject's eye. The periocular region is the area surrounding the subject's eye, including but not limited to one or both eyelids of the subject's eye. The combination of the first and second energy signals is configured to improve various symptoms associated with dry eye disease. In some embodiments, the first energy signal is configured to improve the squeezing or secretion of the meibomian glands in the eye, and the second energy signal is configured to improve the blinking quality of the subject's eye.

[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, the disclosed text content discloses a method for treating dry eye disease / dry eye syndrome in a subject, the method comprising applying a first energy signal and a second energy signal different from the first energy signal to a periocular region of the subject's eye; the combination of the first and second energy signals is configured to improve various symptoms associated with dry eye disease. In some embodiments, the first energy signal is configured to improve the squeezing or secretion of the meibomian glands in the subject's eye, and the second energy signal is configured to improve the blinking quality of the subject's eye. In some embodiments, the first and second energy signals are radio frequency (RF) signals.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first energy signal has a first frequency or frequency range, and the second energy signal has a second frequency or frequency range higher than the first frequency or frequency range. In some embodiments, the frequency of the first energy signal is about 1 MHz. In some embodiments, the frequency of the second energy signal is about 4 MHz. In some embodiments, the first and second energy signals are configured to process different depths within the eyelid or near the subject's eye.

[0012] In some embodiments, the application of the first energy signal and / or the application of the second energy signal utilizes a monopolar configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the first energy signal and / or the second energy signal utilizes a bipolar and / or multipolar configuration. In some embodiments, the second energy signal is targeted at the eyelid skin region of the subject to improve the blinking quality of the subject's eyes. In some embodiments, the first energy signal or the second energy signal is intended to heat the periocular region of the subject's eyes to a temperature between 37°C and 45°C. In another embodiment, the first energy signal or the second energy signal is intended to heat the periocular region of the subject's eyes to approximately 41°C.

[0013] In some embodiments, the treated area of ​​the subject's eye extends along the orbital rim between the supraorbital foramen and the anterior lacrimal ridge. In some embodiments, the method includes at least one treatment segment, which includes applying a first energy signal for a first duration and applying a second energy signal for a second duration. The first and second durations may be equal. In one example, each of the first and second durations may be equal to between one and five minutes. In some embodiments, each of the first and second durations may be equal to approximately three minutes. The method may include multiple treatment segments at predetermined time intervals.

[0014] In some embodiments, the system includes a handheld detector comprising at least one energy applicator configured for user manipulation to apply treatment to the periocular region of a subject's eye. The at least one energy applicator may be mounted on the distal end of the handheld detector (closer to the subject being treated). The at least one energy applicator may be mounted on a disposable endcap capable of connecting to the distal end of the handheld detector. The handheld detector may include multiple energy applicators arranged to provide optimized treatment to the periocular region of the subject's eye. In some embodiments, a first energy signal and a second energy signal may be applied simultaneously.

[0015] In some implementations, the system includes an energy signal generator / source for generating at least one first energy signal and at least one second energy signal. The energy signal generator may be located in or outside the handheld detector and may be connected to at least one energy applicator.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one energy applicator is at least one electrode connected to an energy signal generator. The electrode may have a shape suitable for applying treatment to the periocular region of a subject's eye. The electrode shape may be flat or curved. A curved electrode may be convex or concave. The electrode may have a size suitable for treating the periocular region of a subject's eye. The electrode may have a treatment portion with a substantially circular and / or spherical shape, with a diameter between about 5 mm and 15 mm. In some embodiments, the substantially circular and / or spherical shape has a diameter of 10 mm. In some embodiments, at least one energy applicator is covered with a conductive flexible material to enhance adhesion / attachment to the region of the subject's eye.

[0017] In some implementations, the system includes a controller configured and operable to control at least one of an energy signal generator and at least one energy applicator.

[0018] In some implementations, the system includes a tissue impedance measurement unit configured to provide tissue impedance measurements to a controller, thereby enabling fine-tuning and personalization of at least one first energy signal and at least one second energy signal for the treated subject. For example, the controller may adjust the frequency and / or intensity of the energy signals.

[0019] In some embodiments, the system includes a tissue temperature measurement unit configured to provide tissue temperature measurements to a controller, thereby enabling fine-tuning and personalization of at least one first energy signal and at least one second energy signal for the treated subject. In some embodiments, the tissue impedance and temperature measurement unit is located near the treated area of ​​the subject's eye, for example, at least partially mounted on a handheld detector. In some embodiments, the method includes applying supplementary processing using a light energy signal, such as IPL.

[0020] In one aspect of the published text, there is a system for treating dry eye disease in a subject, comprising: a controller configured to adjust the frequency and / or intensity of an energy signal; an energy signal generator; and at least one energy applicator configured to receive an energy signal from the energy signal generator to apply a first energy signal and a second energy signal, different from the first energy signal, to a target treatment area in the periocular region of the subject's eye. The first energy signal is configured to reach a predetermined target temperature to heat the meibomian glands of the eye, and the second energy signal is configured to reach a predetermined target temperature to treat collagen fibers. The energy applicator includes at least one electrode connected to the energy signal generator. The first and second energy signals are a first radio frequency (RF) signal and a second radio frequency (RF) signal, the first RF signal having a first frequency or frequency range, and the second RF signal having a second frequency or frequency range higher than the first frequency or frequency range. Furthermore, the first RF signal has a frequency of approximately 1 MHz, the second RF signal has a frequency of approximately 4 MHz, and both the first and second RF signals are applied to the target treatment area by at least one electrode.

[0021] In another aspect of the publicly disclosed text content, the application of the first RF signal and the application of the second RF signal utilize at least one of the following configurations: a unipolar configuration; a bipolar configuration; or a multipolar configuration; at least one electrode is an electrode configured to apply both the first RF signal and the second RF signal; at least one electrode is an electrode selected from the following: a flat electrode, a curved electrode, a curved convex electrode, or a curved concave electrode. Furthermore, the system is a handheld detector, and the handheld detector includes at least one energy applicator configured to be mounted on the distal end of the handheld detector, and the handheld detector is further configured to be manipulated by a user to apply processing to a target processing area, wherein the energy signal generator is arranged within or outside the handheld detector.

[0022] In another aspect of the disclosed text, the controller is configured to simultaneously apply at least a first energy signal and at least one second energy signal; the second energy signal targets the eyelid region of the subject to improve the blinking quality of the subject's eyes; and at least one energy applicator is covered with a flexible conductive material to enhance connection and attachment to the target treatment area. The system also includes a tissue impedance measurement unit configured to provide tissue impedance measurements to the controller and / or a tissue temperature measurement unit configured to provide tissue temperature measurements to the controller.

[0023] In one aspect of the published text, there is a method for treating dry eye disease / dry eye syndrome in a subject, the method comprising: providing an energy signal generator and at least one energy applicator; providing a controller configured to adjust the frequency and / or intensity of the energy signal; applying at least one first energy signal and at least one second energy signal, different from the first energy signal, to a target treatment area in the periocular region of the subject's eye; configuring the first energy signal to reach a predetermined target temperature to heat the meibomian glands of the eye; and configuring the second energy signal to reach a predetermined target temperature to treat collagen fibers in the eye. The method further comprises: providing a tissue impedance measurement unit configured to provide a tissue impedance measurement to the controller; receiving the impedance measurement by the controller; and applying the first energy signal and the second energy signal based on the received impedance measurement. Furthermore, it comprises: providing a tissue temperature measurement unit configured to provide a tissue temperature measurement to the controller; receiving the temperature measurement by the controller; and applying the first energy signal and the second energy signal based on the received temperature measurement.

[0024] In another aspect, there is a method in which at least a portion of a first time period and a second time period are simultaneous; at least one electrode is in one of the following configurations: a unipolar configuration; a bipolar configuration; or a multipolar configuration; and the energy applicator includes at least one electrode connected to an energy signal generator, the first energy signal and the second energy signal being radio frequency (RF) signals, the first energy signal having a first frequency or frequency range, and the second energy signal having a second frequency higher than the first frequency or frequency range.

[0025] In the last aspect, there is a method comprising: at least one processing segment, the at least one processing segment comprising applying a first energy signal for a first time period and applying a second energy signal for a second time period; moving the energy applicator in a substantially C-shape over a target processing area of ​​the subject's eye; and applying supplementary treatment using an IPL device.

[0026] The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the disclosed text content. Those skilled in the art will understand that the concepts and specific embodiments can be readily used as the basis for modifying or designing other structures for the same purpose of implementing the disclosed text content. The novel features considered characteristic of the disclosed text content (regarding both its organization and manner of operation), along with its further purposes and advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that each drawing is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and is not intended as a definition of limitations on the disclosed text content. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1A non-limiting exemplary implementation of a system based on the subject matter disclosed herein is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 Non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the methods disclosed herein are shown.

[0029] Figure 3 A non-limiting exemplary implementation of the application processing method according to the subject matter disclosed herein is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Overview

[0031] In one aspect of the publicly available text, a method for treating dry eye disease is provided. This method can be employed to locally target and heat the meibomian glands, either directly or indirectly. Heating can help dilate the meibomian glands and help liquefy the gland contents, thereby facilitating or enabling ophthalmologists or medical practitioners to squeeze the meibomian glands.

[0032] This method can further help target and improve the quality of blinking. It helps lubricate the cornea by spreading tears along with oil secreted by the meibomian glands. Lubrication helps protect the eye from irritants and foreign objects. Improved blinking quality can be achieved through one or more of the following non-limiting methods: tightening the eyelid skin and / or surrounding skin tissue, thereby enhancing complete eyelid closure and improving the ability to blink. For example, skin tightening can be achieved by heating collagen fibers to a desired temperature. Heating causes collagen fibers to contract, which can promote the production of new collagen fibers. New collagen fibers generally contribute to skin tightening. Detailed Implementation Plan

[0033] To better understand the subject matter disclosed herein and to illustrate how it can be implemented in practice, implementation methods will now be described by way of non-limiting example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] The accompanying drawings depict non-limiting embodiments of the disclosed text for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods shown herein can be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

[0035] Now for reference Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a non-limiting example of a system 100 for treating a subject with dry eye disease / dry eye syndrome, based on some implementations of the disclosed text.

[0036] System 100 may include a handheld detector 110. The handheld detector may have at least one energy applicator 120. The energy applicator 120 may be configured to apply treatment to a processing area in the periocular region of a subject's eye. In some embodiments, an energy signal generator 140 is disposed within the handheld detector 110. Alternatively, the energy signal generator 140 may be disposed outside the handheld detector.

[0037] In some embodiments, the energy applicator 120 applies at least one first energy signal and at least one second energy signal to the periocular region of the subject's eye 105, as further described herein. In some embodiments, the first and second energy signals are radio frequency (RF) signals. At least one energy applicator may be mounted on the distal end of the handheld detector 110. At least one energy applicator may be mounted on a disposable end (not shown) capable of being connected to the distal end of the handheld detector 110.

[0038] The nature of the first energy signal can be selected for direct or indirect local targeting and heating of the meibomian glands. Heating can help dilate the meibomian glands and can help liquefy the gland contents, thereby facilitating or enabling ophthalmologists or medical practitioners to squeeze the meibomian glands.

[0039] The nature of the second energy signal can be selected to heat collagen fibers to a desired temperature. Heating can cause collagen fibers to contract, which can promote the production of new collagen fibers. Skin tightening can be achieved, thereby improving blinking by bringing the lower and upper eyelids into contact. In some embodiments, the first or second energy signal is designed to heat the periocular region of the subject's eye to a temperature between 37°C and 45°C. In another embodiment, the first or second energy signal is designed to heat the periocular region of the subject's eye to approximately 41°C.

[0040] System 100 may include a return pad 130. The return pad 130 is configured to attach to the subject's body at a distal location relative to the eye, thereby applying treatment to the periocular region of the subject's eye 105 in a monopolar configuration. In some embodiments, the return pad 130 is not required, and the treatment is a bipolar or multipolar configuration. In some embodiments, the treatment of the periocular region is as follows: Figure 3 The C-shaped path shown in 110A. The C-shaped path can extend to the eyebrow. The treated periorbital area of ​​the subject's eye can extend along the orbital rim between the supraorbital foramen and the anterior lacrimal ridge.

[0041] System 100 may include an energy signal generator / source 140. In some embodiments, the energy signal generator 140 is an RF energy source. The energy signal generator 140 is configured to generate a first energy signal 142 and a second energy signal 144 applied via an energy applicator 120 and a return pad 130. In some embodiments, the first energy signal 142 has a first frequency or frequency range, and the second energy signal 144 has a second frequency or frequency range.

[0042] The second frequency or frequency range may be higher than the first frequency or frequency range. In some embodiments, the frequency of the first energy signal 142 is about 1 MHz. In some embodiments, the frequency of the second energy signal 144 is about 4 MHz. The first and second energy signals can be configured to process different depths of the periocular region of the subject's eye.

[0043] It should be noted that, as used herein, the terms “about” or “substantially” mean a tolerance of ±10% of the stated value.

[0044] In some embodiments, at least one energy applicator 120 is at least one electrode connected to the RF energy signal generator 140. The electrode may have a shape and size suitable for applying treatment to the periocular region of a subject's eye. The electrode shape may be flat or curved. A curved electrode may be convex or concave. The electrode may have a size suitable for the periocular region of the subject's eye to be treated. In some embodiments, the electrode has a treatment portion with a substantially spherical or circular shape and a diameter of about 10 mm. In some embodiments, a first energy signal is provided by a first electrode, and a second energy signal is provided by a second electrode. In some embodiments, the first and second energy signals are at least partially provided by the same electrode.

[0045] In some embodiments, at least one energy applicator is covered with a conductive flexible material to facilitate attachment and conductive bonding with the periocular region of the subject's eye. In some embodiments, a bonding agent (such as a gel or cream) is used to enhance the treatment.

[0046] System 100 may also include controller 150. In the context of this publication, “controller” (singular) should be understood to mean one or more controllers or processors that may be hosted on a single computer, or whose features and functions may be distributed across multiple networked computers. In some embodiments, controller 150 may also include an associated user interface, including but not limited to a display or input device (which may include a keyboard and / or mouse (not shown)).

[0047] The controller 150 can be configured to control the energy signal generator 140 and / or at least one energy applicator 120. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a tissue impedance measurement unit 160. The tissue impedance measurement unit 160 can be configured to measure tissue impedance and provide tissue impedance measurements to the controller 150. The measurements can enable fine-tuning and customization of the first energy signal 142 and / or the second energy signal 144 to the periocular region.

[0048] The controller can be configured to adjust the frequency and / or intensity of the energy signals. For example, controller 150 can adjust the frequency and / or intensity of the first energy signal 142 and / or the second energy signal 144. If the controller receives a report from the impedance measurement unit 160 that the impedance is outside the desired impedance range, controller 150 can stop processing and / or issue an error notification. In some embodiments, the impedance is set by the user of the system or is suggested by the system in advance.

[0049] System 100 may further include a tissue temperature measurement unit 170. The temperature measurement unit 170 may be configured to measure tissue temperature and provide the tissue temperature measurement to the controller 150. The tissue impedance measurement unit 160 and / or the tissue temperature measurement unit 170 may be located near the treated periocular region of the subject's eye, for example, at least partially mounted on the handheld detector 110. In some embodiments, the handheld detector includes an energy applicator 120, an energy signal generator 140, a controller 150, the tissue temperature measurement unit 170, and the tissue impedance measurement unit 160.

[0050] In some implementations, a predetermined target temperature is selected and set in the system so that the energy applicator is activated in each of the first and second energy signals. The predetermined target temperature may also be based on safety limits. In some implementations, the predetermined temperature is set by the system user or suggested by the system. In some implementations, the system's power level is monitored, and a predetermined power level for the energy signal generator is set by the user or suggested by the system. In some implementations, a display (not shown) of the system shows the user the current and / or historical values ​​of the measurements. Thus, measurements such as impedance measurements, temperature measurements, and power measurements can be displayed during processing.

[0051] Now for reference Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a non-limiting example of a method 10 for treating dry eye disease in a subject, based on some implementations of the publicly available text content.

[0052] Method 10 may include providing a first energy signal 10A.

[0053] Method 10 may include applying a first energy signal 10B to a periocular region of the subject's eye. In some embodiments, the frequency of the first energy signal is about 1 MHz. The region may extend in a generally C-shaped path between the supraorbital foramen and the anterior lacrimal ridge, for example, along the orbital rim. The application of the first energy 10B may be between one and five minutes. In some embodiments, each of the first and second time periods may be equal to about three minutes. The application of the first energy may be accomplished in a single sweep or multiple sweeps in a C-shaped motion 110A. In some embodiments, the region of the upper eyelid is treated. In some embodiments, the region of the lower eyelid is treated. In some embodiments, the regions of both the upper and lower eyelids are treated.

[0054] Method 10 may include providing a second energy signal 10C. The second energy signal may be different from the first energy signal. For example, the second energy signal may have a higher frequency than the first energy signal. In some embodiments, the frequency of the second energy signal is about 4 MHz.

[0055] Method 10 may include applying a second energy signal 10D to a periocular region of a subject's eye. In some embodiments, the method includes moving an energy applicator in a substantially C-shaped or similar path over the periocular region of the subject's eye. The C-shape may extend to the eyebrow. The C-shaped region may extend along the orbital rim in a substantially C-shaped path for a period of one to five minutes between the supraorbital foramen and the anterior lacrimal ridge. In some embodiments, each of the first and second periods may be equal to approximately three minutes.

[0056] The first energy signal and the second energy signal can each be applied in a unipolar, bipolar, and / or multipolar configuration.

[0057] In some embodiments, steps 10B and 10D are performed simultaneously; for example, a first energy applicator and a second energy applicator, respectively providing a first energy signal and a second energy signal, are attached to the same system. In some embodiments, the method includes repeating steps 10A to 10D on the periocular region of the subject's second eye. In some embodiments, steps 10A to 10D are repeated periodically for a predetermined number of treatment segments. In some embodiments, the system may include an IPL unit configured to provide supplemental treatment.

[0058] In this document, the word “exemplary” is used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or method of doing so described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other implementations.

[0059] The terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of parts includes not only those parts but may also include other parts not expressly listed or inherent to such an apparatus. In other words, without further constraints, prefixing one or more elements in an apparatus or apparatus with “comprising…” does not exclude the presence of other elements or additional elements in the apparatus.

[0060] Regarding virtually any plural and / or singular terms used herein, those skilled in the art may convert plural to singular and / or singular to plural as needed by context and / or application. For clarity, various singular / plural permutations may be explicitly described herein.

[0061] Various aspects and implementations have been disclosed herein, but other aspects and implementations will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and implementations disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. A system for treating dry eye disease in a subject, comprising: A controller configured to adjust the frequency and / or intensity of an energy signal; Energy signal generator; At least one energy applicator is configured to receive the energy signal from the energy signal generator to apply a first energy signal and a second energy signal, different from the first energy signal, to a target processing area in the periocular region of the subject's eye. The first energy signal is configured to reach a predetermined target temperature to heat the meibomian glands of the eye, while the second energy signal is configured to reach a predetermined target temperature to process collagen fibers.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein The energy applicator includes at least one electrode connected to the energy signal generator. The first energy signal and the second energy signal are a first radio frequency (RF) signal and a second radio frequency (RF) signal. The first RF signal has a first frequency or frequency range, and The second RF signal has a second frequency or frequency range that is higher than the first frequency or frequency range.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein The frequency of the first RF signal is approximately 1 MHz. The frequency of the second RF signal is approximately 4MHz, and Both the first RF signal and the second RF signal are applied to the target processing area by the at least one electrode.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the application of the first RF signal and the application of the second RF signal utilize at least one of the following: a unipolar configuration; a bipolar configuration; or a multipolar configuration.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one electrode is an electrode configured to apply both the first RF signal and the second RF signal.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one electrode is one of the following: Flat electrode; Bending electrodes; A curved convex electrode; or A curved, concave electrode.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is a handheld detector, and the handheld detector includes the at least one energy applicator configured to be mounted on a distal end of the handheld detector, and the handheld detector is further configured to be operated by a user to apply the processing to the target processing area.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein the energy signal generator is disposed in or outside the handheld detector.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to simultaneously apply the at least first energy signal and the at least one second energy signal.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the second energy signal is targeted to the eyelid region of the subject in order to improve the blinking quality of the subject's eyes.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one energy applicator is covered with a flexible conductive material to enhance the connection and attachment to the target processing area.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a tissue impedance measurement unit configured to provide tissue impedance measurement to the controller.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a tissue temperature measurement unit configured to provide tissue temperature measurement to the controller.

14. A method for treating a subject with dry eye disease / dry eye syndrome, the method comprising: Provides an energy signal generator and at least one energy applicator; A controller is provided, the controller being configured to adjust the frequency and / or intensity of an energy signal; At least one first energy signal and at least one second energy signal different from the first energy signal are applied to the target processing area of ​​the periocular region of the subject's eye; as well as The first energy signal is configured to reach a predetermined target temperature to heat the meibomian glands of the eye; as well as The second energy signal is configured to reach a predetermined target temperature to process the collagen fibers in the eye.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: A tissue impedance measurement unit is provided, the tissue impedance measurement unit being configured to provide tissue impedance measurement to the controller; The controller receives the impedance measurement; as well as Based on the received impedance measurement, the first energy signal and the second energy signal are applied.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: A tissue temperature measurement unit is provided, the tissue temperature measurement unit being configured to provide tissue temperature measurement to the controller; The controller receives temperature measurements; as well as Based on the received temperature measurement, the first energy signal and the second energy signal are applied.

17. The method of claim 12, comprising at least one processing segment, the at least one processing segment comprising applying the first energy signal for a first time period and applying the second energy signal for a second time period.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the first time period and the second time period are simultaneous.

19. The method of claim 12, comprising moving the energy applicator in a substantially C-shape over the target processing area of ​​the subject's eye.

20. The method of claim 12, further comprising applying supplementary processing using an IPL device.

21. The method of claim 12, wherein The energy applicator includes at least one electrode connected to the energy signal generator. The first energy signal and the second energy signal are radio frequency (RF) signals. The first energy signal has a first frequency or frequency range, and The second energy signal has a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency or frequency range.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one electrode is in one of the following configurations: unipolar configuration; bipolar configuration; or multipolar configuration.

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