Patents Assigned to TearScience, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8007524
    Abstract: A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction. Heat is applied to the tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force may also be applied to the tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the tissue that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands while reducing the amount of time to reached desired temperature levels and/or aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Stephen M. Grenon, Timothy R. Willis, John Martin Jans
  • Patent number: 7988294
    Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for measuring the relative thickness of the lipid layer component of the precorneal tear film on the surface of an eye after distribution of the lipid layer subsequent to blinking is disclosed. An illuminator directs light to the lipid layer of a patient's eye. The illuminator is a broad spectrum light source covering the visible region and is a lambertion light emitter such that the light source is specularly reflected from the lipid layer and undergoes constructive and destructive interference in the lipid layer. A collector collects and focuses the specularly reflected light such that the interference patterns on the tear film lipid layer are observable. The collector also produces an output signal representative of the specularly reflected light which is suitable for further analysis, such as projection on to a high resolution video monitor or analysis by or storage in a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Benjamin T. Gravely
  • Patent number: 7981145
    Abstract: In one embodiment consistent with the present invention a method of treating mammalian meibomian glands involves clearing the glands by applying a regulated heat to an eyelid containing the meibomian glands to a temperature adequate to melt obstructions in the meibomian glands to put the obstructions in a fluid or suspension (melted) state and maintaining the heat for a time period adequate to melt the obstructions. The glands can then be mechanically treated to express fluid from the glands, wherein the treating is carried out either during the time period or after the time period but while the obstruction remains in a fluid state. Subsequent pharmacological treatment of the glands by use a pharmacological agent (topical or systemic) can then be used to assist in maintaining proper flow of lipids from the glands. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: TearScience Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Timothy R. Willis, Stephen M. Grenon
  • Patent number: 7981146
    Abstract: A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction. Heat is applied to the inside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. Temperatures at the meibomian glands reach desired levels more quickly and efficiently when heating the inside of the eyelid. Reaching such higher temperature levels may be instrumental in removing obstructions in the meibomian glands. Less time may also be required to reach desired temperature levels when applying heat to the inside of the eyelid. A force may also be applied to the outside of the patient's eyelid to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the eyelid that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: TearScience Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Stephen M. Grenon, Timothy R. Willis, Benjamin Tyson Gravely
  • Patent number: 7981095
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction in a mammal wherein an occlusion blocks at least a portion of the flow of naturally occurring secretion out of a gland channel orifice. The invention comprises selecting a device capable of delivering a jet of heated medium. The device is positioned such that when the jet is it is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid, proximate to the gland channel orifice, a jet of heated medium is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid proximate to the gland channel orifice at a pressure of from about 2 psi to about 30 psi. Application of the jet of heated medium is maintained for sufficient time to loosen, break up, fracture, soften or liquefy at least a portion of the occlusion such that at least a portion of the occlusion is removed. In an exemplary embodiment, the medium is water heated to a temperature of between about 42° C. and about 46° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Grenon, Lyle Paul, Steven Roe, Donald R. Korb
  • Publication number: 20110137214
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating gland dysfunction caused by gland obstruction in order to restore the natural flow of secretion from the gland comprises the application of a combination of energy, suction, vibration, heat, aspiration, chemical agents and pharmacological agents to loosen and thereafter remove the obstructive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: TEARSCIENCE, INC.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Timothy R. Willis, Benjamin T. Gravely, Stephen M. Grenon
  • Publication number: 20110130729
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating gland dysfunction caused by gland obstruction in order to restore the natural flow of secretion from the gland comprises the application of a combination of energy, suction, vibration, heat, aspiration, chemical agents and pharmacological agents to loosen and thereafter remove the obstructive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: TEARSCIENCE, INC.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Timothy R. Willis, Benjamin T. Gravely, Stephen M. Grenon
  • Publication number: 20110022010
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction in a mammal wherein an occlusion blocks at least a portion of the flow of naturally occurring secretion out of a gland channel orifice. The invention comprises selecting a device capable of delivering a jet of heated medium. The device is positioned such that when the jet is it is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid, proximate to the gland channel orifice, a jet of heated medium is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid proximate to the gland channel orifice at a pressure of from about 2 psi to about 30 psi. Application of the jet of heated medium is maintained for sufficient time to loosen, break up, fracture, soften or liquefy at least a portion of the occlusion such that at least a portion of the occlusion is removed. In an exemplary embodiment, the medium is water heated to a temperature of between about 42° C. and about 46° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Grenon, Lyle Paul, Steven Roe, Donald R. Korb
  • Patent number: 7833205
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction in a mammal wherein an occlusion blocks at least a portion of the flow of naturally occurring secretion out of a gland channel orifice. The invention comprises selecting a device capable of delivering a jet of heated medium. The device is positioned such that when the jet is it is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid, proximate to the gland channel orifice, a jet of heated medium is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid proximate to the gland channel orifice at a pressure of from about 2 psi to about 30 psi. Application of the jet of heated medium is maintained for sufficient time to loosen, break up, fracture, soften or liquefy at least a portion of the occlusion such that at least a portion of the occlusion is removed. In an exemplary embodiment, the medium is water heated to a temperature of between about 42° C. and about 46° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Grenon, Lyle Paul, Steven Roe, Donald R. Korb
  • Publication number: 20100259722
    Abstract: Ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for measuring a tear film layer thickness (TFLT) of the ocular tear film, including lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT). The measured TFLT can be used to diagnosis dry eye syndrome (DES). In certain disclosed embodiments, a multi-wavelength light source can be controlled to illuminate the ocular tear film. Light emitted from the multi-wavelength light source undergoes optical wave interference interactions in the tear film. An imaging device can be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture optical wave interference interactions of specularly reflected light from the tear film combined with a background signal(s) in a first image. The imaging device can also be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture a second image containing the background signal(s) present in the first image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, William L. Weber, Randal B. Chinnock, Benjamin T. Gravely, Stephen M. Grenon
  • Publication number: 20100259721
    Abstract: Ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for measuring a tear film layer thickness (TFLT) of the ocular tear film, including lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT). The measured TFLT can be used to diagnosis dry eye syndrome (DES). In certain disclosed embodiments, a multi-wavelength light source can be controlled to illuminate the ocular tear film. Light emitted from the multi-wavelength light source undergoes optical wave interference interactions in the tear film. An imaging device can be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture optical wave interference interactions of specularly reflected light from the tear film combined with a background signal(s) in a first image. The imaging device can also be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture a second image containing the background signal(s) present in the first image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, William L. Weber, Randal B. Chinnock, Benjamin T. Gravely, Stephen M. Grenon, Michael Zelina
  • Publication number: 20100259723
    Abstract: Ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for measuring a tear film layer thickness (TFLT) of the ocular tear film, including lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT). The measured TFLT can be used to diagnosis dry eye syndrome (DES). In certain disclosed embodiments, a multi-wavelength light source can be controlled to illuminate the ocular tear film. Light emitted from the multi-wavelength light source undergoes optical wave interference interactions in the tear film. An imaging device can be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture optical wave interference interactions of specularly reflected light from the tear film combined with a background signal(s) in a first image. The imaging device can also be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture a second image containing the background signal(s) present in the first image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, William L. Weber, Randal B. Chinnock, Benjamin T. Gravely, Stephen M. Grenon, Michael Zelina
  • Publication number: 20100256552
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating gland dysfunction caused by gland obstruction in order to restore the natural flow of secretion from the gland comprises the application of a combination of energy, suction, vibration, heat, aspiration, chemical agents and pharmacological agents to loosen and thereafter remove the obstructive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: TEARSCIENCE, INC.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Timothy R. Willis, Benjamin T. Gravely
  • Publication number: 20100253907
    Abstract: Ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for measuring a tear film layer thickness (TFLT) of the ocular tear film, including lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT). The measured TFLT can be used to diagnosis dry eye syndrome (DES). In certain disclosed embodiments, a multi-wavelength light source can be controlled to illuminate the ocular tear film. Light emitted from the multi-wavelength light source undergoes optical wave interference interactions in the tear film. An imaging device can be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture optical wave interference interactions of specularly reflected light from the tear film combined with a background signal(s) in a first image. The imaging device can also be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture a second image containing the background signal(s) present in the first image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, William L. Weber, Randal B. Chinnock, Benjamin T. Gravely, Stephen M. Grenon
  • Patent number: 7758190
    Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for measuring the relative thickness of the lipid layer component of the precorneal tear film on the surface of an eye after distribution of the lipid layer subsequent to blinking is disclosed. An illuminator directs light to the lipid layer of a patient's eye. The illuminator is a broad spectrum light source covering the visible region and is a lambertion light emitter such that the light source is specularly reflected from the lipid layer and undergoes constructive and destructive interference in the lipid layer. A collector collects and focuses the specularly reflected light such that the interference patterns on the tear film lipid layer are observable. The collector also produces an output signal representative of the specularly reflected light which is suitable for further analysis, such as projection on to a high resolution video monitor or analysis by or storage in a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Benjamin T. Gravely
  • Publication number: 20100085540
    Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for measuring the relative thickness of the lipid layer component of the precorneal tear film on the surface of an eye after distribution of the lipid layer subsequent to blinking is disclosed. An illuminator directs light to the lipid layer of a patient's eye. The illuminator is a broad spectrum light source covering the visible region and is a lambertion light emitter such that the light source is specularly reflected from the lipid layer and undergoes constructive and destructive interference in the lipid layer. A collector collects and focuses the specularly reflected light such that the interference patterns on the tear film lipid layer are observable. The collector also produces an output signal representative of the specularly reflected light which is suitable for further analysis, such as projection on to a high resolution video monitor or analysis by or storage in a computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Benjamin T. Gravely
  • Patent number: D614303
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith H. Gausmann, Stephen M. Grenon, Julia Rose Anderson, David Chesley, Gary Prokop
  • Patent number: D614774
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith H. Gausmann, Joey Nakayama, Adam Ruggles, Gary F. Prokop, David Chesley, Mark Wolfson, Natan Pheil, David S. Jaggi, Martin Rathgeber
  • Patent number: D617443
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Grenon, Keith H. Gausmann, Julia Rose Anderson, David Chesley, Joey Nakayama
  • Patent number: D638128
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary F. Prokop, Don Lehman, David Chesley, Joey Nakayama, Keith Gausmann, Adam Ruggles