| 摘要 |
An apparatus and method for facilitating treatment of the eye with topical medication by temporarily controlling fluid flow from the eye by way of compression of the proximal lacrimal drainage system. A support structure, such as an eyeglass frame, is adapted to be worn in a substantially stationary position on a user's face. Attached to the support structure is a pressure applicator for exerting gentle, external pressure near the patient's eye in a region at which lacrimal flow from the eye is temporarily inhibited by the pressure applicator. The pressure applied is of the order of magnitude which can comfortably be digitally exerted, and is focused on the exterior of the lower eyelid near the nose, in order to temporarily obstruct fluid flow through the nasolacrimal duct. The pressure applicator is a pliable, resilient pod having an ovoid shape, on the order of 1.0 inch in length and 0.75 inches in width. Where only one eye is treated, only one pressure applicator is necessary. Where both eyes are to be treated simultaneously, a matching pair of pressure applicators is employed. The pressure applicators are attached to the frame front portion of the eyeglass frame, at a location at which the frame would normally accommodate nose pads. In use, the apparatus is donned immediately after administration of topical eye medication, and is worn for several minutes, i.e., five to ten minutes being typical, for temporarily blocking or inhibiting lacrimal flow until the topical eye medication has mainly been absorbed into the eye itself, at which time the apparatus can be removed until the next administration of the topical medication.
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