Apparatus and method for applying light in ocular and periocular areas

Abstract

A removable tip for a light energy handpiece comprises a hollow conduit configured to surround a light guide in the handpiece; a support extension having a length longer than a length of the hollow conduit; and a shielding extension coupled to the support extension at an angle less than 180 degrees and located in front of the hollow conduit. The shielding extension is configured to be inserted behind an eyelid and extend to the fornix, the shielding extension comprised of a thermally insulative material.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A device for treating meibomian gland dysfunction by an application of light energy, comprising:
 a handpiece having a light energy device at a distal end thereof;   a tip on the distal end of the light energy device, the tip having a shielding extension configured to be inserted behind an eyelid;   wherein the shielding extension is inserted behind the eyelid;   wherein then the anterior surface of the eyelid is contacted with the tip prior to applying light energy to the anterior surface of the eyelid;   wherein then light energy is applied to the anterior surface of the eyelid; and,   wherein heat from the light energy device treats meibomian gland dysfunction.   
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the light energy device produces intense pulsed light energy. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the light energy device produces LED energy. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the light energy device produces laser energy. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the shielding extension is manipulated to create a mechanical separation of the target tissue from adjacent posterior eye structures. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the shielding extension is configured to be sufficiently flexible such that deforms to conform to irregular eye structure surfaces when inserted. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the tip comprises a material that is biocompatible with ocular tissue. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the handpiece further comprises a heat sink thermally coupled to the shielding extension. 
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the handpiece further comprises a cooling source thermally coupled to the shielding extension.