Heated Vibration Ring for Meibomian Gland Occlusion Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for dry eye conditions, such as artificial tears and moisture chamber glasses, fail to address the underlying issue of meibomian gland occlusions, leading to inadequate tear secretion and lubrication, causing discomfort and potential vision loss.
Innovation Solution
A device combining a thermal pack or gel pack with a vibrating ring to apply heat or cold and vibration to the eyelids, forming a sealed treatment cavity to enhance humidity and promote tear film thickness, while dislodging gland blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If artificial tears are used frequently to alleviate dry eye discomfort, then comfort is improved, but natural tears and oils are rinsed away and the underlying occlusion problem is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies heat and vibration to the eyelids before tear secretion is needed, to preemptively clear occlusions in the meibomian glands. This preliminary action restores the gland's ability to secrete naturally, reducing reliance on artificial tears and preventing loss of natural tears and oils.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables the meibomian glands to restore their own function by clearing occlusions through heat and vibration therapy. The glands become self-service capable, naturally secreting tears and oils without requiring external artificial tear applications.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If moisture chamber glasses are used to alleviate dry eye pain, then comfort is improved, but the underlying occlusion problem is not treated and custom fitting is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the meibomian glands to treat themselves by clearing their own occlusions through applied heat and vibration. This self-service capability eliminates the need for custom-fitted moisture chambers, as the treatment addresses the root cause rather than merely masking symptoms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device extracts and removes the occlusive blockages from the meibomian gland passages through mechanical vibration and thermal expansion. By removing the harmful occlusion, the natural tear secretion function is restored without requiring external moisture chambers or custom fitting.
3Reliability
If heat and vibration are applied to the eyelid to clear meibomian gland occlusions, then gland function is improved, but the treatment device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the thermal pack and vibration transducer into a single integrated unit that applies both heat and vibration simultaneously to the eyelid. This combination approach clears occlusions more effectively than either modality alone, restoring meibomian gland function while consolidating the treatment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions through a single integrated design: it provides thermal therapy, mechanical vibration, and potential massage functions all in one unit. This multi-functionality addresses the complex nature of meibomian gland occlusion through combined modalities without requiring multiple separate devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances tear film quality and circulation, effectively addressing meibomian gland blockages and reducing dry eye symptoms by promoting natural tear production and lubrication.
Implementation Method 1
a mask or the like which is configured for comfortable facial engagement to an as-used positioning... configurable to maintain a higher level of humidity to one or both eyes of the user... maintain and/or increase the temperature and humidity around and to the eyes through the inclusion and employment of a thermal pack
Implementation Method 2
vibration from a ring operatively positioned to contact eyelids on one side of the pack... The combination of heat from a thermal pack and vibrational therapies is especially well adapted to help clear partial or total blockages within the passage of or to the meibomian glands
Implementation Method 3
a sealed treatment cavity which may be configured to control the humidity to and around the eyes of the user... configurable to maintain a higher level of humidity to one or both eyes of the user... aiding in limiting evaporation of natural and/or artificial tears
Data Source
AI summary
A dry eye treatment device and method including a pliable thermal pack engageable upon a first side of a vibration ring is provided. The vibration ring has a second side adapted for positioning on the face of a user to communicate vibration to the eyelids of a user from the vibration ring, and heat or cold from a bulging portion of the thermal pack communicating through a pair of openings in the vibration ring. A cover forming a cavity on the face of the user to house the vibration ring and the thermal pack may also be employed.