JP2002078727A - Meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a new therapeutic device capable of simply and effectively improving the meibomian gland secretory ability in a short time. SOLUTION: Meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100B
Consists of a steam generator 1 ′ that uses chemical energy to supply steam to the eyes and the periphery of the eyes. The temperature of water vapor released from the surface of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100B is controlled to 50 ° C. or lower.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device for removing lipid clogged in a meibomian gland and increasing the secretion of lipid from the meibomian gland by supplying water vapor to the eye and its surroundings. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The structure of tear fluid present on the surface of the eye has a layer containing water as a main component and a mucin substance secreted from corneal epithelial cells in the lower layer, and is secreted from the meibomian gland in the outermost layer. Lipid (oil film) was present.

[0003] Lipids (oil films) secreted from the meibomian glands
Plays a heavy role in suppressing water evaporation. This lipid changes qualitatively with age, the melting point shifts to higher temperatures,
Shows a tendency to cloud. In addition, the amount of secreted lipid decreases with aging. Therefore, as we age, the meibomian glands
A problem arises in that qualitatively altered lipids are clogged, secretion is reduced, and eyes dry out.

[0004] On the other hand, with the recent spread of OA equipment and the Internet, VDT (Visual Display Terminal) work has tended to become longer and longer, and in TV games, the state of staring at the screen for a long time continues. I have. For this reason, even in the young age, the amount of water transpiration from the surface of the eye increases with a decrease in the number of blinks, resulting in a condition called dry eye. Therefore, it is desired to improve the secretory ability of the meibomian glands.

[0005] As a treatment for eliminating clogging of the meibomian glands and improving secretory ability, dry-type warming treatment by eye washing, hot pack, and infrared treatment performed under the guidance of an ophthalmologist is performed.

[0006]

However, the conventional treatment requires a power supply and equipment, and cannot be easily performed when each person has a strong eye complaint. In addition, since a heater wire, an infrared lamp, or the like is used as a heat source, there is also a problem that the moisture of the eyes evaporates due to the heating and the feeling of dryness of the eyes is enhanced.

[0007] Eye washing has a problem that the eye is strongly irritating and it takes more than 10 minutes to perform a series of treatments.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a new therapeutic device that can easily and effectively improve the meibomian gland secretory ability in a short time.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems In contrast to conventional dry-type heat treatment, the present inventors supply warm steam to the eyes, so that the function of the meibomian gland can be effectively improved in a short time and effectively. Can be improved.

That is, the present invention relates to a therapeutic device for improving meibomian gland function, which has a steam generating portion utilizing chemical energy, supplies water vapor to the eyes and around the eyes, and enhances the secretion of meibomian glands. Provided is a meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device in which the temperature of water vapor released from the surface of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device is controlled to 50 ° C. or lower.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail.

[0012] The therapeutic device for improving meibomian gland function of the present invention comprises:
Applies to the eyes and around the eyes. Here, the application of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device to the eye and the periphery of the eye means that the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device is brought into direct contact with the eye or the skin around the eye and in the vicinity without contact. Arranging both.

The meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device of the present invention comprises:
It has a water vapor generation part using chemical energy, and is characterized in that water vapor is supplied to the eyes and around the eyes.

Here, the chemical energy includes heat of neutralization of acid and alkali, heat of hydration of inorganic salts (calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, zeolite, etc.), heat of oxidation of metal powder, and the like. be able to.

The specific use of the chemical energy in the water vapor generation section is appropriately determined according to the reaction form of the chemical energy to be used. For example, when utilizing the heat of neutralization of acids and alkalis, the heat of hydration of inorganic salts, and the like, the steam generating section generates steam using the heating section that generates the heat of neutralization and heat of hydration, and the heat generated from these. And an evaporating unit for discharging. In this case, the heating unit may separate the reactants to be reacted at the partition wall, and break the partition wall as needed when generating steam so that the reaction can proceed. Further, the evaporating unit is, for example, paper, woven fabric,
It may be composed of a fiber aggregate such as a nonwoven fabric or a porous body impregnated with water, or a hydrogel polymer stretched into a film shape, and steam may be released by the heat generated by the heating unit. .

In the case where the heat of oxidation of metal powder is used as chemical energy, the steam generating portion includes metal powder (for example, iron, aluminum, zinc, copper, etc.) and salts (for example,
A chloride of an alkali metal such as sodium chloride and potassium chloride, a chloride of an alkaline earth metal such as calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, and the like, and water. If necessary, the composition may contain a water retention agent (for example, vermiculite, calcium silicate, silica gel, silica-based porous material, alumina, pulp, wood powder, water-absorbing polymer, etc.), a reaction accelerator (for example, , Activated carbon, carbon black, graphite, etc.). Among them, the composition of the steam generating composition is as follows: iron powder 30 to 80% by weight, activated carbon, a water retention agent or a reaction accelerator, or a mixture thereof 3 to 25% by weight, metal salt 0.3 to 12% by weight, water 1 to 55% by weight is preferred.

The steam generating composition has the following formula:

[0018]

Embedded image Fe + 3 / 4O ₂ + 3 / 2H ₂ O → Fe (OH)
₃ + 96kcal

As described above, an exothermic reaction occurs in which the metal powder is oxidized, and water in the system is released as water vapor, thereby functioning as a water vapor generation unit.

The exothermic reaction of the steam generating composition is one that is used in a heating element generally called a chemical warmer. However, in a conventional chemical warmer, such a composition is used in a bag made of a material having low air permeability and low moisture permeability so that water required for the reaction does not escape from the heating element.

On the other hand, in the present invention, when such a composition is used as a water vapor generating source, the composition is contained in a sheet material having high moisture permeability, and when heat is generated, a part of water existing in the reaction system is generated. As water vapor is positively released out of the system. Therefore, it becomes possible to supply a sufficient amount of water vapor to the eyes and the periphery of the eyes.

The temperature of steam released during the exothermic reaction of the steam-generating composition is 60 ° C. or more when the composition is opened to the atmosphere or is close to the atmosphere without controlling the amount of air flow to the composition. If water vapor at 60 ° C. or higher is continuously applied to the eyes and around the eyes, there may be a safety problem. Therefore, in the present invention, the temperature of the water vapor released from the eye of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device and the application surface around the eye is controlled to 50 ° C. or less, preferably 38 to 44 ° C.
Control to ° C.

In the present invention, such temperature control is also carried out when utilizing chemical energy such as the heat of neutralization of acids and alkalis and the heat of hydration of inorganic salts.

In the present invention, in controlling the temperature of water vapor released from the therapeutic device for improving meibomian gland function, the temperature is measured in accordance with the method for measuring the temperature of a JIS S4100 disposable body warmer. Alternatively, a room temperature environment (25 ° C, 65
% RH), take out the steam generating part from the outside air blocking container, place it on a styrofoam table with the steam generating surface of the steam generating part facing up, and measure the temperature on the surface without applying load to the steam generating part Machine (Tabayesbeck Co., Ltd.)
The temperature detection unit of the thermo recorder RT-10) is set, and the temperature of the steam generation unit is measured for 15 minutes.

The specific mode of the temperature control can be appropriately determined according to the reaction form of chemical energy used in the steam generating section, convenience, and the like. For example, the reaction rate is adjusted by appropriately changing the amount of the reactant to be reacted in the steam generating portion, the particle size of the reactant when the reactant is a granular material, the moisture permeability of the moisture-permeable sheet, and the like. Control the temperature of water vapor released from the surface of the improved therapeutic device. In addition, a temperature control material is provided between the water vapor generation part and the eye of the meibomian gland function improvement treatment device and the surface to be applied around the eye, and the water vapor released from the water vapor generation part penetrates the temperature control material, so that the water vapor is generated. The temperature may be lowered. When the temperature is controlled using such a temperature control material, the temperature of the steam released from the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device can be reliably and easily controlled to 50 ° C. or less regardless of the form of the chemical energy used in the steam generating section. It is preferred.

The constituent materials of the temperature control material include (1) woven fabric, non-woven fabric, (2) paper such as paper and synthetic paper, and (3) plastic, natural rubber, recycled rubber or synthetic rubber. At least one of a porous film or a porous sheet, (4) foamed plastic such as urethane foam having perforations, and (5) metal foil such as aluminum foil having perforations can be used.

When the temperature is controlled using a temperature control material made of these constituent materials, the temperature control material also has a resistance to the passage of water vapor. The temperature adjusting material is appropriately determined so as to reach the eyes and the vicinity of the eyes according to the material of the temperature adjusting material, the combination of the constituent materials when a plurality of constituent materials are laminated as the temperature adjusting material, and the like. For example, when the temperature control material is formed from a single-layer nonwoven fabric, the thickness is preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 1 mm or more.

In the case where the temperature control material is formed from the above-described constituent materials, the temperature control material is formed of a plurality of types of constituent materials in order to make the thickness compact and to enhance the temperature control ability of the steam passing therethrough. It is preferable to form a laminate.

The therapeutic device for improving meibomian gland function of the present invention may be provided with an eye pillow for detachably mounting the water vapor generating portion. Thereby, the eyes and the periphery of the eyes are appropriately pressed, and a relaxing feeling and a refreshing feeling can be induced. In this case, the total weight of the meibomian gland function improvement including the steam generator and the eye pillow is 50 g by using a weight adjusting material or the like.
The amount is preferably at least 80 g, more preferably at least 80 g. Also, if the weight of the eye pillow is increased, and as a result the total weight of the visual acuity improving treatment device becomes excessively heavy, the feeling of use is reduced, the total weight of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device is 40%.
It is preferably 0 g or less, particularly preferably 250 g or less.

[0030] The constituent materials of the eye pillow body are (1) cotton,
Non-woven fabrics, woven fabrics, quilts made of silk, hemp, synthetic fibers and the like, (2) papers such as paper and synthetic paper, (3) animal hair, and the like can be used. Further, as a weight adjusting material for making the total weight of the eye pillow 50 g or more, (1) polyethylene, polypropylene, organic polymer compounds such as polyester, (2) silica,
Ceramics such as alumina, (3) seeds such as flax seeds, seed coats such as buckwheat hulls, (4) woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, (5) paper, wood and the like can be used.

In the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device of the present invention, an eye mask may be used so that the water vapor generating portion can be detachably attached, and an adhesive layer is directly provided on the surface of the water vapor generating portion. It may be provided. Here, since the adhesive layer is directly adhered to the human body, a material that is secured to the human body is used. To fix the mounting position of the eye mask, a string to be worn on the ear or a string tied behind the head can be attached.

When an eye pillow or an eye mask is used for the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device of the present invention, it is preferable to dispose a steam generating portion on the side of the eye pillow or the eye mask applied to the eyes.

In the present invention, the amount of water vapor generated per unit surface area of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device on the surface to be applied to the eyes and around the eyes is 0.01 mg from the viewpoint of the effect of supplying water vapor to the eyes and around the eyes. / Cm ² · min or more, preferably 0.5 mg / cm ²
More preferably, it is set to min or more. The amount of generated water vapor was determined by taking out the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device from the outside air-shielding container under a room temperature environment (25 ° C., 65% RH), immediately placing the therapeutic device on the upper balance capable of measuring three digits after the decimal point, and thereafter measuring 15%. In the case of performing weight measurement for one minute, the weight at the start of measurement is Wt ₀ (g), and the weight after 15 minutes is Wt ₀ (g).
t ₁₅ and (g), the surface area of the application surface to the surrounding eye and eye meibomian gland function improving treatment tool is taken as S (cm ^2), in which is calculated by the following equation.

[0034]

[Equation 1] Amount of generated steam (mg / cm ² · min) = (Wt ₀ −Wt ₁₅ )
・ 1000 / 15S

The amount of water vapor released from the application surface of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device to the eye and around the eye is 0.01 mg / c.
As a specific method for adjusting to m ² · min or more, for example, when the steam generating portion is composed of a steam generating composition similar to a chemical warmer, a bag material containing the steam generating composition, a temperature controlling material, Alternatively, a material having sufficient moisture permeability may be used as the material of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device main body constituting the outer shape of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device. More specifically, the ASTM method (E-96-80)
It is preferable to use a material having a moisture permeability of 600 g / m ² · 24 h or more in Method D), more preferably 100 g / m ² · 24 h.
0 g / m ² · 24 h or more, more preferably 1500 to
A material having a moisture permeability of 3500 g / m ² · 24 h is used.

The therapeutic device for improving meibomian gland function may be provided with a fragrance component so that the fragrance is used when the therapeutic device for improving meibomian gland function is used. As the fragrance component, those that induce a feeling of relaxation, refreshing, and falling asleep, for example, herbs such as lavender, mint, and rose are preferable. Examples of the method of imparting the fragrance component include, for example, weight adjustment of a meibomian gland function improvement therapeutic device by using a fragrance component carrier such as silica or cellulose particles impregnated with an aromatic compound serving as a fragrance component or potpourri such as intrinsic lavender. A method of mixing fragrance oil on the surface material of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device when using the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device, and a method of attaching a scent sheet to the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device when using the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device. .

The shape of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device or the eye pillow used in the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device of the present invention is not particularly limited. In order to prevent slipping off when applied to the surroundings, it is preferable to form a V-shaped cut in the portion corresponding to the nose or an eye mask-like shape. In addition, the meibomian gland function improving treatment device or the eye pillow used for the meibomian gland function improving treatment device fits around the eyes and around the eyes at the time of application, and the warm steam can be felt from the entire application surface of the meibomian gland function improving treatment device. It is preferable to provide surface irregularities on the eyewear or eye pillows used therein so as to conform to the eyes and the three-dimensional facial shape around the eyes. For this purpose, in the case where a woven fabric or the like is used as a constituent material of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device or the surface of the eye pillow, the woven fabric may be subjected to a quilting process to provide predetermined irregularities.

Further, the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device or the eye pillow or eye mask used therefor may be provided with a pocket for detachably mounting a water vapor generating portion formed in a small bag or the like. As a fixing means for freely attaching and stably fixing, or as a fixing means for preventing the steam generating portion contained in the pocket from falling off, for example, a Velcro (registered trademark), a button, a hook, or the like may be provided. Good.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same or equivalent components.

FIG. 4 is a plan view (FIG. 4A) and a partial cross-sectional view (FIG. 4B) of the therapeutic device 100A for improving meibomian gland function according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the dotted line in the figure shows the position of the eye when the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device is applied to the eye and around the eye.

The meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100A
A steam generating part 1 containing a steam generating composition 2 in a moisture permeable inner bag 3, a temperature control material 4 laminated on the steam generating part 1, a moisture permeable outer bag 5 containing the whole of them, It consists of a sealing bag 6 made of a non-breathable, non-breathable sheet that seals them on the outside.

This meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100A
Is sealed in a sealed bag 6 when not in use,
The sealed bag 6 is broken when used, and the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100A is taken out. And it is used by applying the water vapor generation surface 5a of the moisture-permeable outer bag 5 to the eyes and around the eyes. In addition, when the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100A is applied to the eyes and around the eyes, the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100A is used to enhance the fit of the meibomian gland functional improving therapeutic device 100A around the eyes and the eyes, and to prevent detachment and slippage. The moisture-permeable outer bag 5 may be provided with a head-fixing band having a magic tape or the like attached to both ends.

When the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100A is applied to the eye and the periphery of the eye, the steam generating section 1 is provided at two places in the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100A so as to cover both eyes and their surroundings. They are arranged separately.

As the steam generating composition 2, a composition utilizing the heat of oxidation of the above-mentioned metal powder is used.

The surface of the moisture-permeable inner bag 3 on the side to be applied to the eyes (steam-generating surface 3a) is made of a moisture-permeable material, and the surface 3b on the opposite side is made of a non-moisture-permeable material. By making one surface 3b of the moisture-permeable inner bag 3 containing the steam generating composition 2 non-moisture permeable, the steam released from the steam generating composition 2 can be efficiently applied to the eyes and around the eyes. I can guide you.

The moisture-permeable material constituting the water vapor generating surface 3a is not particularly limited as long as a sufficient amount of water vapor can be obtained and the water vapor generating composition 2 does not leak out. Specifically, nylon, vinylon, polyester, rayon, acetate, acrylic, polyethylene,
Woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, paper, synthetic paper and polyethylene, polypropylene mixed with one or more selected from artificial fibers such as polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride, and natural fibers such as pulp, cotton, hemp, silk, and animal hair Non-breathable films such as polyamide, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyurethane, polystyrene, saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, natural rubber, recycled rubber, and synthetic rubber; A sheet provided with perforations may be used.

The non-breathable surface 3b of the breathable inner bag 3 is adhered and fixed to a nonwoven fabric 4a as a fixing base.

As shown in FIG. 4 (b), the temperature control member 4 laminated on the water vapor generating surface 3a of the moisture permeable inner bag 3 is made up of four nonwoven fabrics 4a and two papers 4b. Consists of a laminate. In the present invention, the temperature control member 4 is not limited to the embodiment of the meibomian gland function improving treatment device 100A of FIG. 4, and the various constituent materials described above can be used alone or in combination. Further, the temperature permeable inner bag 3 may be provided with the function of the temperature regulating material 4 without providing the temperature regulating material 4 separately from the moisture permeable inner bag 3 as in the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100A of FIG. However,
It is preferable that the temperature control member 4 is formed separately from the moisture-permeable inner bag 3 from the viewpoints of economy, technology, ease of manufacture, safety, and the like.

The moisture-permeable outer bag 5 accommodates the entire moisture-permeable inner bag 3 containing the steam generating composition 2 and the entire temperature control material 4, and has an eye mask-like outer shape. In this manner, by fitting the moisture-permeable outer bag 5 forming the outer shape when the eye pillow 100A is applied to an eye mask-like shape, the fit of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100A can be improved. The eye mask-like shape includes not only a shape having a certain thickness but also a thin sheet shape.

An adhesive 7 is adhered to the periphery of the surface of the moisture-permeable outer bag 5 and the surface applied to the eyes (steam generating surface 5a). Thus, the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 1
00A can be easily fixed to the eyes and around the eyes. The meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100A is
The adhesive 7 can be omitted in the present invention because it can be fixed to the application site by supporting it by hand.

FIG. 1 is a plan view (FIG. 1 (a)) and a cross-sectional view (FIG. 2 (b)) of a meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100B of the present invention different from FIG. The meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100B includes an eye pillow main body 8 and a water vapor generating portion 1 'detachably attached to one side of the eye pillow main body 8 (a surface opposite to a surface to be applied to the skin) with a velcro tape 9. Has become.

As the steam generating section 1 ', a steam generating section 1 formed in the same manner as in FIG. 4 or a steam generating section 1 provided with a temperature control material 4 similar to that in FIG. 4 is used. A piece of velcro is applied to the surface opposite the application surface.

The eye pillow body 8 is made of a woven or non-woven fabric having a surface made of cotton, silk, hemp, synthetic fiber, or the like.
It is formed from a quilting material to which 0 g has been added. Further, inside the quilting material of the eye pillow body 8, 0.1 to 10 g of a fragrance component carrier such as intrinsic lavender, dried herb, or impregnated with essential oil is added. The internal material of the quilting may have a function of a temperature control material.

The external shape of the eye pillow body 8 is approximately rectangular and 20 cm ×
It has a size of about 8 cm to cover both eyes and its surroundings, and has a V-shaped cut on one side of the central part. In addition, a seam 10 for quilting is formed on the surface of the eye pillow body 8 to which the steam generating section 1 'is attached, in accordance with the position of the edge of the attached steam generating section 1'.

The therapeutic device 100 for improving meibomian gland function shown in FIG.
C is made of the same quilting material as the eye pillow body 8 of FIG. 1, and further, a cloth 11 made of a woven or non-woven fabric such as cotton, silk, hemp, or synthetic fiber is layered on the outside thereof, and the steam generating section 1 ′ is formed.
Are formed to accommodate the pockets 12. It is preferable that buttons, tapes, hooks, zippers, and the like are provided in the openings of the pockets 12 of the eye pillow body 8 to prevent the steam generating portion 1 'housed in the pockets 12 from unnecessarily coming out.

The meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100 of FIG.
D is the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100B of FIG. 1 covered with a cover 13 such as a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric.

In addition, the therapeutic device for improving meibomian gland function of the present invention can take various forms. For example, in the water vapor generating section 1 shown in FIG. 4, in order to efficiently guide the water vapor released therefrom to the eyes and around the eyes, the moisture permeable inner bag 3
Although the surface 3b on the side opposite to the eyes is made non-permeable, the entire surface of the moisture-permeable inner bag 3 is formed of a moisture-permeable material, and the surface of the moisture-permeable inner bag 3 on the side opposite to the surface applied to the eyes and the periphery of the eyes is formed. A moisture-impermeable sheet may be provided on the surface 3b. In addition, as the water vapor generating unit 1, one water vapor generating unit having a size sufficient to cover both eyes and the periphery thereof when the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device is applied may be provided.

[0058]

EXAMPLE 1 (1) Preparation of a treatment device for improving meibomian gland function The treatment device 100 for improving meibomian gland function shown in FIG.
E was made as follows.

First, 5 wt% of a water-absorbing polymer (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, trade name: Aqua Pearl) was added to 2 wt% saline 4
0 parts by weight was added to prepare a water-containing water retention agent.

Next, 35 parts by weight of iron powder having a particle size of 50 to 60 μm (manufactured by Dowa Iron Powder Co., Ltd.) and 10 parts of activated carbon (manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.)
To a mixture of 10 parts by weight and 10 parts by weight of vermiculite (manufactured by Shinsei Micron Co., Ltd.), 45 parts by weight of the above-mentioned water-containing water-retaining agent was added and mixed to obtain a steam generating composition 2.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B,
Moisture-permeable inner bag (length 10 cm, width 20 cm) 3 non-breathable
Polyethylene sheet (basis weight 25g) as surface material of surface 3b
/ M ^Two) And moisture permeability as the surface material of the steam generating surface 3a.
Nonwoven fabric (Mitsui Chemicals, trade name: Syntex MB,
Basis weight 50g / m^Two) Using these centers (vertical 5c
m, 10cm width) from left to right
Two pockets 4cm long and 5cm wide as edges
Then, 3 g of the above-mentioned steam generating composition 2 is placed in the pocket.
The water vapor generation part 1 was obtained by filling each one.

A nonwoven fabric 4a (manufactured by RNP, trade name: air-through nonwoven fabric, basis weight 35 g / m ² ) and a synthetic paper 4b (manufactured by Tokai Pulp Co., Ltd.) as a temperature controlling material 4 on the moisture permeable surface 3a of the steam generating section 1 Product name: Eleven U, a basis weight of 37g / m ²⁾
Are sequentially laminated, and a vapor-permeable nonwoven fabric 5
aa (manufactured by Kakukei Co., Ltd., polyethylene laminated non-woven fabric) is laminated, a non-permeable sheet 5bb is provided on the other side, and the outer peripheral portions of the non-permeable sheet 5aa and the non-permeable sheet 5bb are heat-sealed to obtain a meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100E. I got The obtained meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100E was immediately stored in a non-breathable sealed bag.

(2) Evaluation (2-1) When the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100E was taken out of the sealed bag, the generation of water vapor started about 20 to 30 seconds after being taken out. In addition, the maximum temperature of water vapor released from the moisture-permeable nonwoven fabric 5aa serving as an application surface of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100E around the eyes and the eyes is:
40 to 41 ° C, and release of water vapor at 38 ° C or higher by 15
Maintained for minutes.

(2-2) Meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 10
In order to examine the effect of the application of 0E, 20 patients diagnosed with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) were subjected to the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100E for 7 minutes before and after going to bed, Meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 10
A tear up time of tear (BUT) value before and after two weeks of application when the application method of removing the 0E and going to bed as it was continued for two weeks was obtained by a doctor's measurement.

The BUT value was determined by dropping a fluorescein reagent on the surface of the eye and measuring the time required for tear tearing with the eye open. This BUT value is an index of the stability of tears on the surface of the eye, and is 5 seconds or less in dry eye patients.

Table 1 shows the results.

[0067]

[Table 1] BUT value mean standard deviation Before application of meibomian gland function improvement treatment device 2.90 ± 0.90 Two weeks after application of meibomian gland function improvement treatment device 6.23 ± 0.90 T-test of BUD value before and after application p <0.01

(2-3) For comparison, hyaluronic acid ophthalmic solution was instilled instead of using the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100E at bedtime, and the BUT value was determined in the same manner as in (2-2).
In this case, 11 MGD patients were set as subjects. Table 2 shows the results.

[0069]

[Table 2]

From the results shown in Tables 1 and 2, it can be seen that the MGD is improved by applying the therapeutic device for improving meibomian gland function of Example 1 to an MGD patient.

Example 2 (1) Preparation of a therapeutic device for improving meibomian gland function A therapeutic device 100F for improving meibomian gland function according to the embodiment of FIG. 6 was prepared as follows.

Using 45 parts by weight of iron powder, 28 parts by weight of water, 2 parts by weight of salt, 10 parts by weight of activated carbon, 5 parts by weight of a water-absorbing polymer, and 10 parts by weight of vermiculite, steam-generating composition 2 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. Prepared.

On the other hand, a low moisture permeable sheet 3c (trade name: Breslon 80, manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation, moisture permeability: 610 g / m ² /
And 24 hr or), high wet nonwoven (manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. as a surface material of the steam-generating surface 3a, trade name: overlay Syntex MB, basis weight 30 g / m ^2, the moisture permeability 3000g / m ² / 24hr), these 4c vertically with 1cm left and right sides from the center (5cm high, 10cm wide)
Two pockets each having a width of 5 cm and a width of 5 cm were formed, and the pockets were filled with the above-mentioned steam generating composition 2 in an amount of 5 g each to obtain a steam generating portion 1.

To 20 parts by weight of water, 5 parts by weight of a water-absorbing polymer (trade name: Aqua Pearl, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) was added to prepare a water-containing polymer gel 15, which was non-woven fabric with high moisture permeability (manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.). Product name: Syntex MB, basis weight 40g /
m ^2, moisture permeability 3000g / m ² / 24hr) evenly coated on top of the (coating thickness 0.5mm), high wet non-woven fabric 17 is formed thereon (manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., trade name: Syntex SB, basis weight 30g / m ^2, moisture permeability 3000g / m ² / 24hr) 2
The sheets were stacked and the outer peripheral portion was heat-sealed to obtain a meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100F. The obtained meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100F was immediately stored in a non-breathable sealed bag.

(2) Evaluation (2-1) When the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100F was taken out of the sealed bag, generation of water vapor started about 50 to 60 seconds after taking out. The maximum temperature of the water vapor released from the highly permeable nonwoven fabric 17 which is the application surface of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100F around the eyes and the eyes is 38 to 39 ° C. Release was maintained for 15 minutes.

(2-2) In the same manner as (2-2) of the first embodiment, M
Meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100F for DG patients
The effect of the application was examined by BUT value. Table 3 shows the results.

[0077]

[Table 3] BUT value mean standard deviation Before application of meibomian gland function improvement treatment device 2.70 ± 0.95 Two weeks after application of meibomian gland function improvement treatment device 6.00 ± 1.34 T test of BUD value before and after application p <0.01

(2-3) For comparison, a hyaluronic acid ophthalmic solution was applied in place of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device 100F at bedtime, and the BUT value was determined in the same manner as in (2-2).
Table 4 shows the results.

[0079]

[Table 4]

From the results in Tables 3 and 4, it can be seen that the MGD is improved by applying the therapeutic device for improving meibomian gland function of Example 2 to an MGD patient.

[0081]

According to the present invention, the meibomian gland secretory ability can be easily and effectively improved in a short time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view (FIG. 1A) and a cross-sectional view (FIG. 1B) of a meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device.

FIG. 2 is a plan view (FIG. 2A) and a cross-sectional view (FIG. 2B) of a meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device.

FIG. 3 is a plan view (FIG. 3A) and a cross-sectional view (FIG. 3B) of the therapeutic device for improving meibomian gland function.

FIG. 4 is a plan view (FIG. 4A) and a partial cross-sectional view (FIG. 4B) of the therapeutic device for improving meibomian gland function.

FIG. 5 is a plan view (FIG. 5A), a cross-sectional view (FIG. 5B), and a cross-sectional view of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device of the meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device of the embodiment. (C)).

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the therapeutic device for improving meibomian gland function according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steam generating part 2 Steam generating composition 3 Moisture permeable inner bag 4 Temperature control material 5 Moisture permeable outer bag 6 Sealing bag 7 Adhesive material 8 Eye pillow main body 9 Magic tape 10 Quilting seam 12 Pocket 13 Cover 100A, 100B, 100C 100D, 100E,
100F Meibomian gland function improvement therapeutic device

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device having a water vapor generating part utilizing chemical energy, supplying water vapor to the eyes and around the eyes, and improving secretion of the meibomian glands. A meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device in which the temperature of water vapor released from the surface of the therapeutic device is controlled to 50 ° C. or lower. 2. The steam generating section comprises 30 to 80% by weight of iron powder, 3 to 25% by weight of activated carbon, a water retention agent or a reaction accelerator, or a mixture thereof, 0.3 to 12% by weight of a metal salt, and 1% of water. The meibomian gland function improving therapeutic device according to claim 1, comprising a steam generating composition containing about 55% by weight. 3. The therapeutic device for improving meibomian gland function according to claim 1, which has an eye mask-like shape covering the eyes and the periphery of the eyes. 4. The therapeutic device for improving meibomian gland function according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an eye pillow to which the steam generating portion is detachably attached, and having a total weight of 50 g or more. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein an aroma component is provided.
The therapeutic device for improving meibomian gland function according to any one of the above.