Heating sheet for area around eyes and method for producing heating sheet for area around eyes

Abstract

A heating sheet for the area around eyes according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a heat-generating layer; and a ventilation film and an adhesive film that sandwich and cover the heat-generating layer from the thickness direction of the heat-generating layer. The ventilation film and the adhesive film have first curved edges bonded to each other. The first curved edges have a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the edge of the upper eyelid and / or the lower eyelid. The heat-generating layer has a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the first curved edge, and is disposed in proximity to or in contact with the first curved edge.

Description

Periocular heating sheet and method for manufacturing a periocular heating sheet

[0001] The present invention relates to a periocular heating sheet and a method for manufacturing a periocular heating sheet.

[0002] Hot eye masks that can warm the area around the eyes while covering the eyes are known. There are various hot eye masks with different heat generation functions, such as those that cause heat generation by reacting an oxidizable metal with oxygen in the air, and those that heat ceramics or silica gel using a microwave oven. In addition, there are not only thin sheet-like hot eye masks but also thick ones with germanium balls inside. By covering the eyes with such a hot eye mask in a heated state, it is possible to improve, for example, eye bags and wrinkles around the eyes. Also, by covering the eyes with a heated hot eye mask, it is possible to improve, for example, blood flow around the eyes and Meibomian gland obstruction. Information on Meibomian gland obstruction is described in, for example, Non-Patent Document 1 below.

[0003] https: / / cornea.gr.jp / info / topics / 33 /

[0004] By the way, when the eyes are covered with the above-mentioned heating sheet, the user cannot visually recognize the outside world and cannot perform work that requires the use of the eyes. Furthermore, when the eyes are covered with the above-mentioned heating sheet, not only the area around the eyes but also the eyeballs are warmed, which may have an adverse effect on the eyeballs. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a periocular heating sheet and a method for manufacturing a periocular heating sheet that can improve various symptoms around the eyes while suppressing the possibility of adverse effects on the eyeballs in a state where the outside world can be visually recognized.

[0005] An eye area heating sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a heating layer, a breathable film and an adhesive film that sandwich and cover the heating layer from the thickness direction of the heating layer. The breathable film and the adhesive film have a first curved edge that is bonded to each other. The first curved edge has a curved shape that corresponds to the shape of at least one edge of the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid. The heating layer has a curved shape that corresponds to the shape of the first curved edge and is arranged in close proximity to or in contact with the first curved edge.

[0006] In an eye area heating sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention, the breathable film and the adhesive film have a first curved edge formed on them, which is bonded to each other, and the first curved edge has a curved shape corresponding to the shape of at least one of the edges of the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid. The heating layer also has a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the first curved edge and is positioned close to or in contact with the first curved edge. As a result, for example, by attaching the eye area heating sheet to the upper or lower eyelid so that the first curved edge follows the edge of the upper or lower eyelid, the area around the eye can be warmed by the heat emitted from the heating layer. At this time, the eye is not covered by the eye area heating sheet and the outside world can be seen. In addition, the eye area heating sheet does not directly heat the eyeball.

[0007] A method for manufacturing an eye-area heating sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the following two steps: (1) A laminate comprising an adhesive film, a heating layer, and a breathable film in this order is sandwiched between a first member having a curved protrusion corresponding to the shape of at least one edge of the upper or lower eyelid, and a second member having a flat surface, with the protrusion pressed against one surface of the laminate and the flat surface pressed against the other surface of the laminate; (2) Ultrasonic energy is applied to the first member or the second member, and welding and cutting is performed on the portion of the laminate pressed against the protrusion, thereby manufacturing an eye-area heating sheet having a first curved edge corresponding to the curved shape, in which the adhesive film and the breathable film are bonded together.

[0008] In a method for manufacturing an eye-peripheral heating sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention, a first member having a curved protrusion corresponding to the shape of at least one edge of the upper or lower eyelid, and a second member having a flat surface are sandwiched together by pressing the protrusion against one surface of a laminate and the flat surface against the other surface of the laminate. Ultrasonic energy is applied to the first member or the second member, and welding and cutting are performed on the portion of the laminate pressed against the protrusion, thereby manufacturing an eye-peripheral heating sheet having a first curved edge corresponding to the curved shape, in which an adhesive film and a breathable film are bonded together. As a result, for example, by attaching the manufactured eye-peripheral heating sheet to the upper or lower eyelid so that the first curved edge follows the edge of the upper or lower eyelid, the area around the eye can be warmed by the heat emitted from the heating layer. At this time, the eye is not covered by the eye-peripheral heating sheet and the outside world can be seen. Furthermore, the eye-peripheral heating sheet does not directly heat the eyeball.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a heat-retaining sheet for the area around the eyes and a method for manufacturing the heat-retaining sheet for the area around the eyes are made possible by attaching the heat-retaining sheet to the area around the eyes and warming the area around the eyes with heat emitted from the heating layer. This allows for the improvement of various symptoms around the eyes while maintaining visibility of the outside world and suppressing the possibility of adverse effects on the eyeball.

[0010] Figure 1A is a diagram showing an example of the top surface configuration of the eye-peripheral heating sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B is a diagram showing an example of the bottom surface configuration of the eye-peripheral heating sheet of Figure 1A. Figure 1C is a diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional configuration along line A-A in Figure 1A. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the unfolded oblique view configuration of the eye-peripheral heating sheet of Figure 1A. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the planar configuration of the adhesive layer included in the eye-peripheral heating sheet of Figure 1A. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of how the eye-peripheral heating sheet of Figure 1A is attached to both the upper and lower eyelids. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of how the eye-peripheral heating sheet of Figure 1A is manufactured. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a modified example of the top surface configuration of the eye-peripheral heating sheet of Figure 1A. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the planar configuration of the adhesive layer included in the eye-peripheral heating sheet of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a modified example of the top surface configuration of the eye-peripheral heating sheet of Figure 1A. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the planar configuration of the adhesive layer included in the eye-peripheral heating sheet of Figure 8.

[0011] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The following description is one specific example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the arrangement, dimensions, dimensional ratios, etc., of each component shown in each figure.

[0012] An eye-area heating sheet 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is a heating sheet that can be attached to the upper or lower eyelid, and furthermore, is capable of warming the meibomian glands contained within the eyelid to which it is attached when attached to the upper or lower eyelid. The eye-area heating sheet 1 is usually stored in a sealed bag or container. When the eye-area heating sheet 1 is removed from the sealed bag or container, the heating of the eye-area heating sheet 1 begins. The eye-area heating sheet 1 is designed to heat up to 40°C to 45°C in about one minute after the start of heating, and can maintain heating for about 10 to 15 minutes. As a result, when the eye-area heating sheet 1 is attached to the upper or lower eyelid, it is possible to warm the meibomian glands contained within the eyelid to which it is attached, melt the oil accumulated in the meibomian glands, and expel it to the outside. The configuration of the eye-area heating sheet 1 that can realize such functions will be described below.

[0013] [Structure] Figure 1A shows an example of the upper surface configuration of the eye-area heating sheet 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B shows an example of the lower surface configuration of the eye-area heating sheet 1 of Figure 1A. Figure 1C shows an example of the cross-sectional configuration along line A-A in Figure 1A. Figure 2 shows an example of the unfolded oblique view configuration of the eye-area heating sheet 1 of Figure 1A.

[0014] The eye area heating sheet 1 comprises, for example, a heating layer 30, a breathable film 10 and an adhesive film 40 that sandwich and cover the heating layer 30 from the thickness direction of the heating layer 30, as shown in Figures 1C and 2. The eye area heating sheet 1 further comprises, for example, a support layer 20 between the heating layers 30. In the eye area heating sheet 1, for example, as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, and 2, the surface of the breathable film 10 is the upper surface 1C of the eye area heating sheet 1, and the surface of the adhesive film 40 is the lower surface 1D of the eye area heating sheet 1.

[0015] The breathable film 10 is a single-layer or laminated film capable of covering the heat-generating layer 30 together with the support layer 20 and the adhesive film 40 while allowing air to pass through. The breathable film 10 is a laminated film that includes, for example, a PET nonwoven fabric 11 and a PE porous film 12 in that order from the top surface 1C side, as shown in Figure 2. The PET nonwoven fabric 11 is a nonwoven fabric made of PET resin and has excellent heat-insulating properties. Therefore, the PET nonwoven fabric 11 also plays a role in suppressing the dissipation of heat generated from the heat-generating layer 30 to the outside through the breathable film 10. The PE porous film 12 is a porous film made of PE resin and plays a role in regulating the breathability of the breathable film 10.

[0016] The support layer 20 is, for example, a nonwoven fabric made of PP resin, and is a high-strength nonwoven fabric. The support layer 20 serves, for example, as a base layer for the heat-generating layer 30 in the process of manufacturing the eye area heat-generating sheet 1. The heat-generating layer 30 is composed of, for example, a paste-like material capable of generating heat by reacting with oxygen in the air. The paste-like material includes, for example, an oxidizable metal capable of generating heat through an oxidation reaction with oxygen in the air, and a reaction accelerator such as activated carbon, which acts as a catalyst for the oxidation reaction. The heat-generating layer 30 may be, for example, a layer formed by solidifying powdered oxidizable metal and reaction accelerator.

[0017] The adhesive film 40 is a single-layer or laminated film capable of attaching the eye area heating sheet 1 to the skin while transmitting the heat generated from the heating layer 30 to the skin. The adhesive film 40 is, for example, a laminated film containing an elastic layer 41, a rayon / PET nonwoven fabric 42, an adhesive layer 43, and a release layer 44 in this order from the breathable film 10 side, as shown in Figure 2.

[0018] The elastic layer 41 is a nonwoven fabric that allows heat generated from the heating layer 30 to pass through to the rayon / PET nonwoven fabric 42 while ensuring the flexibility of the eye area heating sheet 1. The elastic layer 41 is, for example, a resin layer formed from a composite material of PET resin and an olefin-based elastomer. The rayon / PET nonwoven fabric 42 is a nonwoven fabric that allows heat generated from the heating layer 30 to pass through to the adhesive layer 43 while being able to adhere closely to the adhesive layer 43. The rayon / PET nonwoven fabric 42 serves, for example, as a base layer for the adhesive layer 43 in the process of manufacturing the eye area heating sheet 1. The rayon / PET nonwoven fabric 42 is, for example, a nonwoven fabric formed from a composite material of rayon and PET.

[0019] The adhesive layer 43 is a resin layer that allows heat generated from the heating layer 30 to pass through to the release layer 44, while enabling the eye area heating sheet 1 to be peelably attached to the skin. The adhesive layer 43 is composed of, for example, an acrylic adhesive or a rubber adhesive. The release layer 44 is a layer that protects the surface of the adhesive layer 43 and is a layer that can be peeled off from the adhesive layer 43. The release layer 44 is, for example, release paper. The eye area heating sheet 1 can be attached to the skin by peeling off the release layer 44 from the adhesive layer 43 and exposing the surface of the adhesive layer 43.

[0020] The adhesive layer 43 may have, for example, one or more adhesive portions 43A and one or more non-adhesive portions 43B in a location facing the heating layer 30 and capable of contacting the upper or lower eyelid, as shown in Figure 3.

[0021] The adhesive layer 43 may have adhesive portions 43A at both ends of the eye area heating sheet 1 in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 3, and may also have an adhesive portion 43A in the center of the eye area heating sheet 1 in the left-right direction. In this case, the adhesive layer 43 may have a non-adhesive portion 43B between the adhesive portion 43A at the left end of the eye area heating sheet 1 and the adhesive portion 43A in the center of the eye area heating sheet 1, and a non-adhesive portion 43B between the adhesive portion 43A at the right end of the eye area heating sheet 1 and the adhesive portion 43A in the center of the eye area heating sheet 1. In the adhesive layer 43, one or more non-adhesive portions 43B may be formed in a slit shape. The adhesive portion 43A is made of a material with higher adhesiveness than the non-adhesive portion 43B, for example, an acrylic adhesive or a rubber adhesive. The non-adhesive portion 43B is made of a material with lower adhesiveness than the adhesive portion 43A, for example, a silicone rubber or a fluororubber.

[0022] Instead of the non-adhesive portion 43B, a low-tack layer with lower tackiness compared to the adhesive portion 43A may be provided. Also, in the adhesive layer 43, the areas where one or more non-adhesive portions 43B were formed may become voids. In this case, the surface of the rayon / PET nonwoven fabric 42 may be exposed at the areas where one or more non-adhesive portions 43B were formed, and the rayon / PET nonwoven fabric 42 and the release layer 44 may be in direct contact with each other without the adhesive layer 43 in between.

[0023] The outer edges of the breathable film 10 and the adhesive film 40 (i.e., the outer edges of the eye area heat pack 1) are bonded together. The outer edges of the breathable film 10 and the adhesive film 40 (i.e., the outer edges of the eye area heat pack 1) correspond to the areas where the breathable film 10 and the adhesive film 40 are bonded together, for example, by welding and cutting using ultrasonic bonding. The breathable film 10 and the adhesive film 40 have, for example, a first curved edge 1A and a second curved edge 1B that are bonded together, as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C. The first curved edge 1A and the second curved edge 1B each constitute a part of the outer edges of the breathable film 10 and the adhesive film 40. Therefore, the first curved edge 1A and the second curved edge 1B each correspond to the areas where the breathable film 10 and the adhesive film 40 are bonded together, for example, by welding and cutting using ultrasonic bonding.

[0024] The first curved edge 1A has a curved shape that corresponds to the shape of at least one of the edges of the upper or lower eyelid. That is, the first curved edge 1A has a curved shape that corresponds to the “shape of the edge of the upper eyelid”, the “shape of the edge of the lower eyelid”, or the “shape of both the upper and lower eyelids”. The upper limit of the width W1 is limited to the size necessary to efficiently transfer heat to the edge of the upper or lower eyelid. The width (width W1) of the first curved edge 1A is 2 mm or less, preferably 1 mm or less. The lower limit of the width W1 is, for example, the manufacturing limit required to bond the breathable film 10 and the adhesive film 40 together. The manufacturing limit is, for example, 0.1 mm when the breathable film 10 and the adhesive film 40 are bonded together by welding and cutting using ultrasonic bonding, and 0.01 mm when manufactured precisely. The second curved edge 1B has a curved shape that corresponds to the contour of the edge of the bone above the upper eyelid. The width (width W2) of the second curved edge 1B is 2 mm or less, for example, 1 mm or less. Width W2 may be the same as width W1, or it may be a larger value than width W1.

[0025] The upper limit of the width W1 actually depends on the manufacturing method. When the first curved edge 1A is manufactured using the conventional method of cutting the heat-sealed area with a die, the minimum width W1 is usually around 5 mm. In other words, it is extremely difficult to make the width W1 less than 5 mm using the conventional method. On the other hand, when the first curved edge 1A is manufactured using welding and cutting with ultrasonic bonding, the width W1 is at most 2 mm, and usually less than 1 mm. In other words, welding and cutting using ultrasonic bonding is a very reasonable method for making the width W1 the size necessary to efficiently transfer heat to the edge of the upper or lower eyelid.

[0026] The first curved edge 1A has a curved shape that corresponds to the "shape of the edge of the upper eyelid" or the "shape of the edges of both the upper and lower eyelids." In this case, the eye area heating sheet 1 has a shape and size such that when the eye area heating sheet 1 is attached to the upper eyelid when the eye is open, with the first curved edge 1A following the edge of the upper eyelid, the second curved edge 1B does not come into contact with the skin at the point opposite the edge of the bone above the upper eyelid. Furthermore, the eye area heating sheet 1 has a shape and size that allows blinking and closing the eye while the eye area heating sheet 1 is attached to the upper eyelid when the eye is open, with the first curved edge 1A following the edge of the upper eyelid. The eye area heating sheet 1 has a shape and size that allows the user to blink and close their eyes while the eye is open, with the first curved edge 1A following the edge of the upper eyelid, and the second curved edge 1B not touching the skin where it faces the edge of the bone above the upper eyelid. The shape of the eye area heating sheet 1 shown in Figure 1A is an example of a shape that meets the conditions described in this paragraph.

[0027] Assume that the first curved edge 1A has a curved shape corresponding to the "shape of the lower eyelid edge". In this case, the eye area heating sheet 1 has a shape and size that allows the user to blink and close their eyes while the eye area heating sheet 1 is attached to the lower eyelid when the eye is open, such that the first curved edge 1A follows the edge of the lower eyelid.

[0028] The heating layer 30 has a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the first curved edge 1A and is positioned close to or in contact with the first curved edge 1A. When the portion of the heating layer 30 with a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the first curved edge 1A is positioned in contact with the first curved edge 1A, the portion of the heating layer 30 with a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the first curved edge 1A is positioned at a distance of width W1 from the side surface of the eye area heating sheet 1. When the portion of the heating layer 30 with a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the first curved edge 1A is positioned close to the first curved edge 1A, the gap between the portion of the heating layer 30 with a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the first curved edge 1A and the first curved edge 1A is preferably as narrow as possible, for example, 1 mm or less. If this gap is 1 mm, the width W1 is 1 mm or less.

[0029] Figure 4 shows an example of how four eye-peripheral heat packs 1 are applied. Figure 4 illustrates how the four eye-peripheral heat packs 1, with the release layer 44 removed, are applied to both the upper and lower eyelids of both eyes when the eyes are open. In Figure 4, the two eye-peripheral heat packs 1 on the upper eyelids are applied so that the first curved edge 1A follows the edge of the upper eyelid. Furthermore, in Figure 4, the two eye-peripheral heat packs 1 on the lower eyelids are applied so that the first curved edge 1A follows the edge of the lower eyelid. At this time, the patient is able to blink both eyes while the four eye-peripheral heat packs 1 are applied.

[0030] When the shape of the edge of the upper eyelid and the shape of the edge of the lower eyelid are approximately equal to each other, the shape of the first curved edge 1A of the two eye-peripheral heating sheets 1 on the upper eyelid side and the shape of the first curved edge 1A of the two eye-peripheral heating sheets 1 on the lower eyelid side are equal to each other. In other words, in this case, the four eye-peripheral heating sheets 1 have a common shape, and the first curved edge 1A has a curved shape that corresponds to the shape of the edges of both the upper and lower eyelids.

[0031] On the other hand, if the shape of the edge of the upper eyelid and the shape of the edge of the lower eyelid are significantly different from each other, the shape of the first curved edge 1A of the two eye-peripheral heating sheets 1 on the upper eyelid side and the shape of the first curved edge 1A of the two eye-peripheral heating sheets 1 on the lower eyelid side will be different from each other. In other words, in this case, the first curved edge 1A of the two eye-peripheral heating sheets 1 attached to the upper eyelid will have a curved shape that corresponds to the shape of the edge of the upper eyelid, and the first curved edge 1A of the two eye-peripheral heating sheets 1 attached to the lower eyelid will have a curved shape that corresponds to the shape of the edge of the lower eyelid.

[0032] [Manufacturing Method] Next, the manufacturing method of the eye area heat pack 1 will be described. Figure 5 shows an example of the manufacturing method of the eye area heat pack 1.

[0033] First, the heat-generating layer 30 is made to adhere to the surface of the support layer 20'. If the heat-generating layer 30 is made of, for example, a paste-like material, the heat-generating layer 30 is made to adhere to the surface of the support layer 20' by printing the heat-generating layer 30 onto the surface of the support layer 20'. Next, the rayon / PET nonwoven fabric 42' is laminated to the surface of the elastic layer 41', and the adhesive layer 43' is laminated to the surface of the rayon / PET nonwoven fabric 42' using the rayon / PET nonwoven fabric 42' as a base layer. Subsequently, the release layer 44', adhesive layer 43', rayon / PET nonwoven fabric 42', elastic layer 41', heat-generating layer 30, support layer 20', PE porous film 12', and PET nonwoven fabric 11' are laminated in this order. In this way, the laminate 1X is manufactured. The laminate 1X may also be manufactured by a procedure different from the above method.

[0034] The release layer 44' is made of the same material as the release layer 44. The adhesive layer 43' is made of the same material as the adhesive layer 43. The rayon / PET nonwoven fabric 42' is made of the same material as the rayon / PET nonwoven fabric 42. The elastic layer 41' is made of the same material as the elastic layer 41. The support layer 20' is made of the same material as the support layer 20. The PE porous film 12' is made of the same material as the PE porous film 12. The PET nonwoven fabric 11' is made of the same material as the PET nonwoven fabric 11.

[0035] Next, the laminate 1X is sandwiched between a first member 100 having a curved protrusion 110 corresponding to the shape of at least one edge of the upper or lower eyelid, and a second member 200 having a flat surface 210. At this time, the laminate 1X is sandwiched between the first member 100 and the second member 200 such that the protrusion 110 is pressed against one surface of the laminate 1X and the flat surface 210 is pressed against the other surface of the laminate 1X. The first member 100 is not limited to a flat plate with a protrusion 110, as shown in Figure 5. The second member 200 is not limited to a flat plate, as shown in Figure 5.

[0036] At this time, the location on the laminate 1X where the protrusion 110 is pressed becomes the welding cutting line CL in a later process. In a plan view, the location where the protrusion 110 is pressed and the edge of the heating layer 30 face each other with a small gap between them. Specifically, they face each other with a width approximately the same as the width of the edge of the eye surrounding heat sheet 1 (for example, width W1 or width W2). The welding cutting line CL is shown in Figure 5 for convenience in explanation. In practice, the first member 100 is pressed against the location on one side of the laminate 1X corresponding to the welding cutting line CL using some kind of positioning marker. The protrusion 110 has a sharp, blade-like shape, and by applying a predetermined pressure to at least one of the first member 100 and the second member 200, it is possible to cut the laminate 1X with the protrusion 110.

[0037] Next, with the laminate 1X sandwiched between the first member 100 and the second member 200, ultrasonic energy is applied to either the first member 100 or the second member 200, and welding cut is performed on the portion of the laminate 1X where the convex portion 110 is pressed, thereby manufacturing the eye area heat sheet 1 having a first curved edge 1A and a second curved edge 1B. In this way, the eye area heat sheet 1 is manufactured.

[0038] [Effects] Next, the effects of the eye area heat pack 1 and the method for manufacturing the eye area heat pack 1 will be described.

[0039] Inside the eyelids are meibomian glands capable of secreting oil onto the surface of the eye. Each time you blink, the meibomian glands secrete oil onto the water film on the surface of the eye. This forms an oily film that covers the water film on the surface of the eye, thereby preventing the eye from drying out. However, there is a disease called meibomian gland infarction in which the oil hardens for some reason within the meibomian glands, and oil secretion stops. When a person suffers from meibomian gland infarction, the meibomian glands are unable to secrete oil normally, the water on the surface of the eye dries out easily, and the eyes of patients with meibomian gland infarction become dry eyes.

[0040] One possible treatment for meibomian gland obstruction is to drain the sebum from the meibomian glands. Methods for draining sebum from the meibomian glands include (1) warming the meibomian glands to dissolve the accumulated sebum, (2) performing IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy, or ultrasound or infrared therapy, or (3) cleaning the openings of the meibomian glands to remove dirt or sebum plugs blocking them (see Non-Patent Literature 1). When specialized equipment is used to drain the sebum clogged in the meibomian glands, the treatment is basically performed in a clinic. However, in this case, it is not covered by insurance and therefore incurs high treatment costs.

[0041] On the other hand, in the eye area heat sheet 1 according to this embodiment, the breathable film 10 and the adhesive film 40 have a first curved edge 1A that is bonded to each other, and the first curved edge 1A has a curved shape that corresponds to the shape of at least one edge of the upper eyelid or the lower eyelid. The heating layer 30 also has a curved shape that corresponds to the shape of the first curved edge 1A and is positioned close to or in contact with the first curved edge 1A. As a result, for example, by attaching the eye area heat sheet 1 to the upper or lower eyelid so that the first curved edge 1A follows the edge of the upper or lower eyelid, the heat emitted from the heating layer 30 can warm the edge of the upper or lower eyelid, that is, the meibomian gland. By warming the meibomian gland with the heat emitted from the heating layer 30, the oil accumulated in the meibomian gland can be melted and expelled to the outside. As a result, meibomian gland infarction can be improved at home in an inexpensive way.

[0042] In contrast, with a typical hot eye mask as described in paragraph 0002, the hot eye mask is simply placed on the eyes, and it is not possible to warm the meibomian glands to a degree that can melt the oil accumulated in them. Furthermore, while it may be possible to warm the meibomian glands to a degree that can melt the oil accumulated in them by heating the hot eye mask to a high temperature, doing so would heat not only the meibomian glands but also the eyeball to a high temperature, potentially causing adverse effects on the eye. On the other hand, with the eye area heating sheet 1 according to this embodiment, the eye area heating sheet 1 can be directly attached to the eyelid while the eyes are open, so the heat emitted from the heating layer 30 can efficiently warm only the meibomian glands, and there is no risk of heating the eyeball to a high temperature.

[0043] Furthermore, in the eye area heating sheet 1 according to this embodiment, by attaching the eye area heating sheet 1 to the upper or lower eyelid so that the first curved edge 1A follows the edge of the upper or lower eyelid, the area around the eye can be warmed by the heat emitted from the heating layer 30. Therefore, it is possible to improve meibomian gland infarction while maintaining the ability to see the outside world and suppressing the possibility of adverse effects on the eyeball.

[0044] In the periorbital heating sheet 1 according to the present embodiment, the periorbital heating sheet 1 has a shape and size that enable blinking and closing the eyes in a state where the periorbital heating sheet 1 is attached to the upper eyelid when the eyes are open, with the first curved edge 1A along the edge of the upper eyelid. Thereby, the patient can perform work using the eyes and the like with the periorbital heating sheet 1 attached to the eyelids.

[0045] In the periorbital heating sheet 1 according to the present embodiment, the periorbital heating sheet 1 has a shape and size that enable blinking and closing the eyes in a state where the periorbital heating sheet 1 is attached to the upper eyelid when the eyes are open, with the first curved edge 1A along the edge of the upper eyelid and further with the second curved edge 1B not contacting the skin at a location facing the edge of the bone above the upper eyelid. Thereby, the patient can perform work using the eyes and the like with the periorbital heating sheet 1 attached to the eyelids.

[0046] In the periorbital heating sheet 1 according to the present embodiment, the width W1 of the first curved edge 1A is 2 mm or less or 1 mm or less. Thereby, the curved portion corresponding to the shape of the first curved edge 1A in the heating layer 30 can be arranged at a position separated by the width W1 from the side surface of the periorbital heating sheet 1. As a result, the meibomian glands can be efficiently warmed by the heat emitted from the heating layer 30. Therefore, meibomian gland obstruction can be improved at home by an inexpensive method.

[0047] In the adhesive layer 43 of the periorbital heating sheet 1 according to the present embodiment, one or more adhesive portions 43A and one or more non - adhesive portions 43B may be provided at a location facing the heating layer 30 and capable of contacting the upper eyelid or the lower eyelid. In such a case, compared with the case where the adhesive layer 43 is bonded to the entire eyelid of the patient, the periorbital heating sheet 1 can be easily peeled off from the eyelid. As a result, when the periorbital heating sheet 1 is peeled off from the patient's eyelid, the possibility of causing wrinkles and injuries to the patient's eyelid can be reduced.

[0048] In the manufacturing method of the periorbital heating sheet 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a laminate 1X is sandwiched between a first member 100 having a convex portion 110 with a curved shape corresponding to the shape of at least one edge of the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid, and a second member 200 having a flat surface 210. Further, with the laminate 1X sandwiched between the first member 100 and the second member 200 such that the convex portion 110 is pressed against one surface of the laminate 1X and the flat surface 210 is pressed against the other surface of the laminate 1X, ultrasonic energy is applied to the first member 100 or the second member 200, and welding and cutting are performed on the portion of the laminate 1X where the convex portion 110 is pressed, thereby manufacturing the periorbital heating sheet 1 having a first curved edge 1A with a curved shape. Thereby, for example, by attaching the manufactured periorbital heating sheet 1 to the upper eyelid or the lower eyelid such that the first curved edge 1A is along the edge of the upper eyelid or the lower eyelid, the heat emitted from the heating layer 30 can warm the edge of the upper eyelid or the lower eyelid, that is, the meibomian gland. By warming the meibomian gland with the heat emitted from the heating layer 30, the fat accumulated in the meibomian gland can be melted and discharged to the outside. As a result, meibomian gland obstruction can be improved at home by an inexpensive method.

[0049] In the manufacturing method of the periorbital heating sheet 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, by performing welding and cutting, it is possible to manufacture the periorbital heating sheet 1 having a shape and size that allows blinking and closing the eyes while being attached to the upper eyelid or the lower eyelid such that the first curved edge 1A is along the edge of the upper eyelid or the lower eyelid. Thereby, the patient can perform operations such as using the eyes while the periorbital heating sheet 1 is attached to the eyelids.

[0050] Further, in the manufacturing method of the periorbital heating sheet 1 according to the present embodiment, by attaching the periorbital heating sheet 1 manufactured by this manufacturing method to the upper eyelid or the lower eyelid such that the first curved edge 1A is along the edge of the upper eyelid or the lower eyelid, the heat emitted from the heating layer 30 can warm the periphery of the eyes. Therefore, it is possible to improve meibomian gland obstruction while suppressing the possibility of adversely affecting the eyeball in a state where the outside world can be visually recognized.

[0051] Furthermore, the eye area heat sheet 1 according to this embodiment can be applied to the area around the eyes (for example, around the eyes, eyelids, sides of the eyes, temples, skin over the orbicularis oculi muscle, etc.), and can be used not only to improve meibomian gland infarction, but also to improve dark circles under the eyes, wrinkles around the eyes, and blood flow around the eyes. Therefore, by using the eye area heat sheet 1 according to this embodiment, various symptoms around the eyes can be improved.

[0052] [Modification A] In the above embodiment, the second curved edge 1B may be curved in a concave shape, similar to the first curved edge 1A, as shown in Figure 6, for example. In this case, the first curved edge 1A has a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the edge of the upper eyelid, and the second curved edge 1B has a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the edge of the lower eyelid.

[0053] In this modified example, the upper limits of the widths W1 and W2 are limited to the size necessary to efficiently transfer heat to the edge of the upper or lower eyelid. The widths W1 and W2 are each 2 mm or less, preferably 1 mm or less. The lower limits of the widths W1 and W2 are, for example, the manufacturing limits required to bond the breathable film 10 and the adhesive film 40 together. The manufacturing limit is usually 0.1 mm when bonding the breathable film 10 and the adhesive film 40 together by welding and cutting using ultrasonic bonding, and 0.01 mm when manufactured precisely.

[0054] The upper limits of widths W1 and W2 actually depend on the manufacturing method. When the first curved edge 1A and the second curved edge 1B are manufactured using the conventional method of cutting the heat-sealed area with a die, the minimum width of W1 and W2 is usually around 5 mm. In other words, it is extremely difficult to make the widths W1 and W2 less than 5 mm using the conventional method. On the other hand, when the first curved edge 1A and the second curved edge 1B are manufactured using ultrasonic welding and cutting, the widths W1 and W2 are at most 2 mm, and usually 1 mm or less. In other words, ultrasonic welding and cutting is a very reasonable method for making the widths W1 and W2 the size necessary to efficiently transfer heat to the edge of the upper or lower eyelid.

[0055] In this modified version, the eye area heating sheet 1 has a shape and size such that when the eye area heating sheet 1 is attached to the upper eyelid with the eye open, with the first curved edge 1A following the edge of the upper eyelid, the second curved edge 1B does not come into contact with the skin at the point opposite to the edge of the bone above the upper eyelid. The eye area heating sheet 1 further has a shape and size such that when the eye area heating sheet 1 is attached to the upper eyelid with the eye open, with the first curved edge 1A following the edge of the upper eyelid, the user blinks and closes their eyes. The eye area heating sheet 1 has a shape and size such that when the eye area heating sheet 1 is attached to the upper eyelid with the eye open, with the first curved edge 1A following the edge of the upper eyelid, the second curved edge 1B does not come into contact with the skin at the point opposite to the edge of the bone above the upper eyelid. The eye area heat pack 1 is further shaped and sized to allow blinking and closing of the eyes while the eye area heat pack 1 is attached to the lower eyelid when the eyes are open, such that the second curved edge 1B follows the edge of the lower eyelid. The shape of the eye area heat pack 1 shown in Figure 6 is an example of a shape that meets the conditions described in this paragraph.

[0056] In this modified example, the heating layer 30 has a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the first curved edge 1A and a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the second curved edge 1B, and is arranged in close proximity to or in contact with the first curved edge 1A, and also in close proximity to or in contact with the second curved edge 1B.

[0057] When the curved portion of the heating layer 30 corresponding to the shape of the first curved edge 1A is positioned in contact with the first curved edge 1A, the curved portion of the heating layer 30 corresponding to the shape of the first curved edge 1A is positioned at a distance of width W1 from the side surface of the eye area heating sheet 1. When the curved portion of the heating layer 30 corresponding to the shape of the first curved edge 1A is positioned close to the first curved edge 1A, it is preferable that the gap between the curved portion of the heating layer 30 corresponding to the shape of the first curved edge 1A and the first curved edge 1A be as narrow as possible, for example, 1 mm or less. If this gap is 1 mm, then the width W1 is 1 mm or less.

[0058] When the curved portion of the heating layer 30 corresponding to the shape of the second curved edge 1B is positioned in contact with the second curved edge 1B, the curved portion of the heating layer 30 corresponding to the shape of the second curved edge 1B is positioned at a distance of width W2 from the side surface of the eye area heating sheet 1. When the curved portion of the heating layer 30 corresponding to the shape of the second curved edge 1B is positioned close to the second curved edge 1B, the gap between the curved portion of the heating layer 30 corresponding to the shape of the second curved edge 1B and the second curved edge 1B is preferably as narrow as possible, for example, 1 mm or less. If this gap is 1 mm, the width W2 is 1 mm or less.

[0059] Thus, in this modified example, the first curved edge 1A has a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the edge of the upper eyelid, and the second curved edge 1B has a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the edge of the lower eyelid. As a result, even if the shape of the edge of the lower eyelid differs from that of the upper eyelid, by applying the eye-surrounding heat sheet 1 to the lower eyelid when the eye is open, so that the second curved edge 1B follows the edge of the lower eyelid, the heat emitted from the heating layer 30 can warm the edge of the lower eyelid, that is, the meibomian glands. In other words, one eye-surrounding heat sheet 1 can improve not only the meibomian gland obstruction of the upper eyelid but also the meibomian gland obstruction of the lower eyelid. As a result, meibomian gland obstruction can be improved at home in an inexpensive way.

[0060] Furthermore, this modified version can be applied to the area around the eyes (for example, around the eyes, eyelids, sides of the eyes, temples, skin over the orbicularis oculi muscle, etc.), and can be used not only to improve meibomian gland obstruction, but also to improve dark circles under the eyes, wrinkles around the eyes, and blood flow around the eyes. Therefore, by using the eye area heat sheet 1 according to this modified version, various symptoms around the eyes can be improved.

[0061] Furthermore, in this modified example, the adhesive layer 43 may have, for example, one or more adhesive portions 43A and one or more non-adhesive portions 43B in a location facing the heating layer 30 and capable of contacting the upper or lower eyelid, as shown in Figure 7. In this case, the eye area heating sheet 1 can be easily peeled off the eyelid compared to the case where the adhesive layer 43 is attached to the entire eyelid of the patient. As a result, the possibility of causing wrinkles or injuries to the patient's eyelid when peeling off the eye area heating sheet 1 can be reduced.

[0062] [Modification B] In the above embodiment, the first curved edge 1A may have a curved shape corresponding to the shape of at least one edge of the upper or lower eyelid, as shown in Figure 8, for example, while the second curved edge 1B may be generally straight, as shown in Figure 8. In this case, the width (width W1) of the first curved edge 1A is 2 mm or less, preferably 1 mm or less. This allows, for example, by attaching the eye area heat sheet 1 to the upper or lower eyelid so that the first curved edge 1A follows the edge of the upper or lower eyelid, the heat emitted from the heating layer 30 can warm the edge of the upper or lower eyelid, i.e., the meibomian gland. By warming the meibomian gland with the heat emitted from the heating layer 30, the oil accumulated in the meibomian gland can be melted and discharged to the outside. As a result, meibomian gland infarction can be improved at home in an inexpensive manner.

[0063] Furthermore, in this modified version, by attaching the eye area heating sheet 1 to the upper or lower eyelid so that the first curved edge 1A follows the edge of the upper or lower eyelid, the area around the eye can be warmed by the heat emitted from the heating layer 30. Therefore, it is possible to improve meibomian gland infarction while maintaining the ability to see the outside world and suppressing the possibility of adverse effects on the eyeball.

[0064] Furthermore, the eye area heat sheet 1 according to this modified version can be applied to the area around the eyes (for example, around the eyes, eyelids, sides of the eyes, temples, skin over the orbicularis oculi muscle, etc.), and can be used not only to improve meibomian gland infarction, but also to improve dark circles under the eyes, wrinkles around the eyes, and blood flow around the eyes. Therefore, by using the eye area heat sheet 1 according to this modified version, various symptoms around the eyes can be improved.

[0065] Furthermore, in this modified example, the adhesive layer 43 may have, for example, one or more adhesive portions 43A and one or more non-adhesive portions 43B in a location facing the heating layer 30 and capable of contacting the upper or lower eyelid, as shown in Figure 9. In this case, the eye area heating sheet 1 can be easily peeled off the eyelid compared to when the adhesive layer 43 is attached to the entire eyelid of the patient. As a result, the possibility of causing wrinkles or injuries to the patient's eyelid when peeling off the eye area heating sheet 1 can be reduced.

[0066] [Modification C] In the above embodiment and its modified form, the heating layer 30 may be formed as a single sheet, or it may be divided into multiple continuous regions in a plan view. When the heating layer 30 is divided into multiple sections in a plan view, the eye area heating sheet 1 can be easily folded at the divided sections of the heating layer 30, and the eye area heating sheet 1 can be easily fitted to the surface to which it is attached (skin such as the eyelid).

[0067] [Modification D] In the above embodiment and its modification, the edge of the heating layer 30 may be separated from a portion of the outer edges (the parts that are bonded together) of the breathable film 10 and the adhesive film 40 (specifically, both ends of the eye area heating sheet 1) by a predetermined distance in a plan view. Even in this case, by attaching the eye area heating sheet 1 to the upper or lower eyelid so that the first curved edge 1A follows the edge of the upper or lower eyelid, the area around the eyes can be warmed by the heat emitted from the heating layer 30. Therefore, it is possible to improve meibomian gland obstruction and various symptoms around the eyes while maintaining visibility of the outside world and suppressing the possibility of adverse effects on the eyeball.

Claims

1. An eye area heating sheet comprising a heating layer, a breathable film and an adhesive film that sandwich and cover the heating layer from the thickness direction of the heating layer, wherein the breathable film and the adhesive film have a first curved edge that is bonded to each other, the first curved edge has a curved shape corresponding to the shape of at least one edge of the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid, and the heating layer has a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the first curved edge and is positioned close to or in contact with the first curved edge.

2. The eye-peripheral heating sheet according to claim 1, wherein the first curved edge has a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the edge of the upper eyelid, and the eye-peripheral heating sheet has a shape and size that allows the user to blink and close their eyes while the eye-peripheral heating sheet is attached to the upper eyelid when the eye is open, such that the first curved edge follows the edge of the upper eyelid.

3. The permeable film and the adhesive film have a second curved edge bonded to each other, and the permeable eye heating sheet has a shape and size that allows the eye to blink and close while the eye is open, with the permeable eye heating sheet attached to the upper eyelid when the eye is open, such that the first curved edge follows the edge of the upper eyelid, and the second curved edge does not come into contact with the skin at the point opposite the edge of the bone above the upper eyelid.

4. The eye area heating sheet according to claim 3, wherein the second curved edge has a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the edge of the lower eyelid, the heating layer has a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the second curved edge and is positioned close to or in contact with the second curved edge, and the eye area heating sheet has a shape and size that allows the eye to be blinked and closed while the eye is open, with the eye area heating sheet attached to the lower eyelid when the eye is open, such that the second curved edge follows the edge of the lower eyelid.

5. The eye-peripheral heating sheet according to claim 1, wherein the first curved edge is curved to correspond to the shape of the edge of the lower eyelid, and the eye-peripheral heating sheet has a shape and size that allows the user to blink and close their eyes while the eye-peripheral heating sheet is attached to the lower eyelid when the eye is open, such that the first curved edge follows the edge of the lower eyelid.

6. The eye area heat sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the width of the first curved edge is 1 mm or less.

7. The eye area heat pack according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the width of the second curved edge is 1 mm or less.

8. The eye area heating sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the adhesive film has one or more adhesive portions and one or more non-adhesive or low-adhesive portions in a portion facing the heating layer and capable of contacting the upper or lower eyelid.

9. The eye area heating sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heating layer is composed of a paste-like material.

10. A method for manufacturing a thermal eye sheet, comprising: a laminate containing an adhesive film, a heating layer, and a breathable film in this order, sandwiched between a first member having a curved protrusion corresponding to the shape of at least one edge of the upper or lower eyelid, and a second member having a flat surface, with the protrusion pressed against one surface of the laminate and the flat surface pressed against the other surface of the laminate; ultrasonic energy being applied to the first member or the second member, and welding cutting being performed on the portion of the laminate pressed against the protrusion, thereby manufacturing a thermal eye sheet having a first curved edge corresponding to the curved shape, in which the adhesive film and the breathable film are bonded together.

11. The method for manufacturing an eye-area heat sheet according to claim 10, wherein by performing the welding cut, an eye-area heat sheet is manufactured that has a shape and size that allows the eye to blink and close while the first curved edge is attached to the upper eyelid so as to follow the edge of the upper eyelid.

12. The method for manufacturing an eye area heat pack according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the width of the first curved edge is 1 mm or less.

Images