Meibomian glands are oil glands inside the top and bottom eyelids and research has identified MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction) as being a leading cause of dry eye symptoms. It has been reported that over 86% of people with dry eye symptoms have some form of MGD. For people with MGD, the glands become inflamed/damaged, which can cause oil secretions to turn from an olive oil consistency to that of butter or thicker. This in turn clogs the glands and sets off a cycle of irritation, inflammation and possibly infection, that is difficult to treat due to the eye’s sensitive nature. ​​​ ​ Although warm compresses are constantly recommended by eye doctors to help treat this disease by melting/softening these oils, I thought the current methods/products could be substantially improved for a number of reasons. Everyday use products like microwave compresses burned my eyelids when they were too hot and didn’t stay hot long enough. Similar for electric warming pads, you had to keep your eyes closed for the whole session, which I felt was huge waste of time when doing 1-2 times daily. They also put unnecessary pressure on your heated cornea. The industry standard office treatment Lipiflow actually massages the eyes' oil glands as they are being heated to help remove the stagnant oils through the oil gland opening. I think this could work great if you could use it everyday, but at ~500-$1000 per session, it is not a solution for many people with severe cases of chronic conditions like MGD and Blepharitis. With those concerns in mind, I started designing something with the aim of replicating something like Lipiflow that combined heat and oil gland massage (Steamgoggle uses blinking during treatment) to better remove oil gland blockages, but that could be used on a continuous basis as needed. All while being able to multitask while using the device. ​The Steamgoggle differs from other products/treatments on the market as it combines moist heat with blinking, which helps remove blockage (stagnant oils) through the oil gland openings during treatment (see our FAQ page to learn how our patented used of PTC heaters safely allows for highly concentrated and consistent moist heat). Additionally, the user can multitask when using, (read/look at phone) and can use it anywhere, anytime, and for as long you want via the included power bank with over 15 treatment cycles per charge (versus paying for expensive one time office treatments such as IPL or Lipiflow). Lastly, the device is very easy to setup (simply add water to each eyecup and press power button) and clean (place entire goggle under faucet to rinse).​​​​​​ The SteamGoggle was not created in a large corporation lab, adding/removing features depending the potential of each to increase return on investment. It was created by someone who has lived through and knows the intricacies of the disease themselves, who just wanted something that works to make their eyes feel better. Learn more about the inventor's story here.

The SteamGoggle and the Blephasteam devices are similar in the fact that they both provide moist heat to the eyes, while allowing the user to still use their eyes to read/look at their phone. There are two versions of Blephasteam, but since the first version is no longer available to purchase, the SteamGoggle will be compared to the Blephasteam 2. The differences stated below are based on the inventor's personal experience with Blephasteam 2, which was purchased new, prior to development of the SteamGoggle. SteamGoggle Pros: MOIST HEAT LEVEL: The SteamGoggle is able to provide a more concentrated moist heat to the eyes due to the smaller air volume of the individual eyecups (think swim goggles versus Blephasteam's swim mask) and the SteamGoggle's patented use of advanced ceramic PTC heaters. ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE: The SteamGoggle is temperature adjustable to suit an individual's moist heat preference by adding more (warmer) or less (cooler) water to the plastic lattice prior to treatment or by positioning the head downward (warmer) or looking straight ahead (cooler). The Blephasteam does not have any temperature adjustment for individual preferences. ADJUSTABLE TREATMENT TIME: The SteamGoggle's included powerbank can power the device for over 15 treatment cycles. Additionally, if desired, the 8.5 minute treatment time can easily be extended by refilling the plastic water lattice and restarting the heating cycle. The Blephasteam needs to be charged before each use and its treatment time is limited to one 10 minute cycle with a 90 minute recharge in between each cycle. SHORT WARMUP TIME: The SteamGoggle has a warmup time of 1 minute 30 seconds, versus Blephasteam's approximate 4 minute warmup time. EASY SETUP: There are no extra pieces to worry about when setting up the SteamGoggle, just the device and the powerbank. With Blephasteam, there is a separate water tray that needs to be filled each session, a removable water carrier that is taken in and out of the goggle and the whole device needs to be placed on and off of a base charging station (that is plugged into the wall) each cycle. PORTABLE: The SteamGoggle can be easily traveled with (via the mesh carrying bag and included travel water bottle) and used anywhere/anytime as long as there is at least a partial charge on the powerbank. To start, the Blephasteam requires at at least a table and wallplug as it's required to be charged on the power base station (which needs to be plugged into the wall) prior to each use. Additionally, a water tray needs to be filled each cycle in order to submerge the water carrier, which then needs to be inserted into the device for each session. EASILY CLEANED: The whole SteamGoggle goggle assembly is waterproof and easily washable if needed under the sink faucet. For the Blephasteam, only the water carrier and water tray are washable with soap and water. The main Blephasteam goggle assembly is only recommended to be cleaned with an included cleaning cloth to prevent electronics damage. PRICE: The SteamGoggle is priced at $199.99, while the Blephasteam 2 is priced at about $399.99. SteamGoggle Cons: PLUGS INTO POWERBANK: The SteamGoggle must be plugged into the included powerbank for the entirety of the treatment session, while Blephasteam has batteries included in the headset itself. HARDER TO EAT: The SteamGoggle power cable drops in front of the face making it harder to eat during use, versus the Blephasteam where there there are no cables coming from the mask. SMALLER FIELD OF VIEW: The SteamGoggle's goggle type design has a smaller field of view during use than the Blephasteam's mask type design.

Please see the webpage below for a guide to using the device as well as tips and additional information. https://www.steamgoggle.com/instruction-guide

The SteamGoggle device requires 12v of DC power to function properly. Lower voltages than 12v may cause the device to not turn on at all (red light does not stay on after being pressed). Power Bank: The device includes a 10,000mAh fast charging (22.5w) Lithium Polymer powerbank. The SteamGoggle plugs into the powerbank's USB-C port (on the top middle section of device) and must be plugged in continuously for the device to function. The powerbank may be charged with any 5v or 12v DC USB power source either through its USB-C port (top center of device), or its USB- micro port on the upper left section of device (we include a white USB-micro charging cable). Note that the powerbank can be used for other functions such as charging your phone or other devices. The powerbank has a USB-C port and two USB-A ports (standard old style rectangular USB port) on the top that can be used to charge any device that accepts 5-12v of DC power. Also note that not all powerbanks are created equal and others may or may not work with the SteamGoggle device. The device may not turn on at all (red light does not stay on after being pressed) or the device may take much longer to heat up. If you would like to purchase an extra powerbank please contact us, or use this Amazon powerbank that we have certified for use with the device. USB-C Wall Adapter: The device will also work with and can be plugged into standard USB-C wall adapters. The majority of USB-C wall adapters that we tested from Amazon and Best Buy have worked properly with the device, although we cannot guarantee that it will work with everything out there. Please note that the device will not work with the majority of current laptop USB-C ouput ports. To test compatibility, plug the device into the port and push power button. If the device beeps when plugged in and the red power light stays on after pressing power switch, then the device should work as intended. USB-C PD: For those interested, the device actually uses a special type of USB-C connection called USB-C PD, which stands for power delivery. This is an advanced version of USB-C, which allows for higher power output (i.e. faster charging) and the ability to quickly adapt to different power requirements for different devices. This safer and more advanced power regulation ability allows the powerbank to seamlessly interface with the SteamGoggle's PTC heaters to heat up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature profile.

Per current literature (see sources below), hot compress temperatures of at least 40-45 degrees celcius may be effective at liquefying solidified meibomian gland oils, which assists in the unclogging of these oil glands. However, typical gym type steamroom temperatures can reach at least 50c, showing that higher temperatures can be tolerated by the eyes when applied in the form of moist, heated air as opposed to a hot towel or liquid water. The Steamgoggle provides pinpointed moist heat (water vapor) application directly to the eyes at temperatures that would be difficult to subject the entire body to for any extended length of time, such as in a typical steamroom (45-50c, see sources below). After adding water to each eyecup and starting a treatment cycle, Steamgoggle users will experience a gradual increase in moist heat temperature to about 50-55 degrees celcius, depending on head position. This sustained high concentration of moist heat along with the eyes own blinking motion, allow the device to provide a more effective dry eye treatment compared to direct pressure heating methods such as microwave or usb powered warm compresses. The Steamgoggle can provide this elevated moist heat treatment due to the use of innovative PTC ceramic heaters, which heat up accurately, quickly and with unrivaled safety features. See below for recommended temperatures for steamrooms: 1. https://www.verywellfit.com/sauna-vs-steam-room-which-is-better-4163009 (120f/49c) 2. https://www.architecturelab.net/house/room/steam-room/ (122f/50c) 3.https://steam-sauna.com/blog/what-is-the-best-temperature-for-a-steam-shower-steam-room-infrared-sauna-and-more.html 115f/46c 4.https://www.sunrisespecialty.com/sauna-temperature (120f/49c) See below for recommended temperatures from various studies/articles for direct pressure method hot compresses to treat dry eye: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6529265/ (40-41.5c) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dry-eye-compress#Are-they-effective? (45c) Blephasteam 2 Treatment Temperature (42.5c) Tearcare Treatment Temperature (45c) Lipiflow Treatment Temperature (42.5c) Dry Eye Institute Recommendation (40-45c) https://journals.lww.com/optvissci/Abstract/2015/09000/All_Warm_Compresses_Are_Not_Equally_Efficacious.29.aspx (40-45c)

The SteamGoggle uses PTC electric heaters to transform water into a moist heat or water vapor that assists in unclogging the eyes’ oil glands. To do this, the water inside of each eyecups’ plastic lattice is heated to a maximum temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (or 60 degrees celcius), which is also the standard water heater temperature of the typical American household. This temperature is selected for water heaters due to its ability to kill bacteria as well as its ability to be used safely in the home. This is because it takes at least 5 seconds of continuous exposure to water at 140f (see sources below) to cause scalding to the skin, which is generally enough time to remove the skin from the hot water before damage occurs. The Steamgoggle heats water to a maximum temperature of 140f (60c), which is kept away from the users face inside the plastic lattice inside each eyecup. It is important that as defined in the instructions, that the user must empty each eyecup of excess water prior to treatment and must not look up or lay their head down during treatment. Otherwise, a few drops of water may drip from the lattice onto the user’s upper cheek during treatment. This small quantity of heated water may be briefly uncomfortable, but is safe due the temperature and small quantity of the water involved. As defined above, it takes 5 seconds of continuous exposure (see sources below) to water at 140f to cause scalding to the skin, which would require a large quantity of water like from a faucet. A few drops of water that may drip from the eyecup will immediately cool when transferred to an ambient environment and therefore safe for skin contact. See a few links below discussing safety of water temperatures: https://rethority.com/water-heater-temperature/ https://homeinspectioninsider.com/water-heater-temperature-settings/ https://www.homecoreinspections.com/resources/osha-hot-water-temperature-regulations https://bestplumbers.com.au/plumbing-guides/hot-water-temperature-australia/

The Steamgoggle is unique because it employs the use of innovative PTC heater technology, which allows the device to heat up fast and precisely using its embedded safety features . The ceramic PTC heater works by heating up to a set temperature defined during its manufacture and cannot overheat due to its construction. This allows the device to create a constant, effective supply of moist heat without time constraints common with microwaveable and hot compresses. The internal temperature felt inside of each eyecup is adjustable by adding water to the plastic lattice inside each eyecup. Performing a treatment with no water will give a cooler temperature, while a full lattice will give a warmer temperature. Additionally, the position of the head will affect the treatment temperature. Looking straight ahead will give a cooler temperature while looking downward will give a warmer temperature. This moist heat combined with the blinking motion, produces a continuous massaging effect, whereas, any melted/loosened meibum can be pushed out of the gland openings. Per current literature, temperatures of about 45-50 degrees celcius (typical in gym/spa type steamrooms) may be effective at liquefying solidified oils, which assists in the unclogging of the eyes' oil glands. The Steamgoggle allows for pinpointed moist heat application directly to the eyes at temperatures that would be difficult to subject the entire body to for any extended length of time, such as in a typical steamroom. After adding water to each eyecup and starting a treatment cycle, Steamgoggle users will experience a gradual increase in moist heat temperature to about 50-55 degrees celcius, depending on head position. Going higher than this may potentially irritate the delicate tissues of the eyes and cause excessive redness or exacerbate symptoms. Going much lower than this may not serve any benefit as the oils will remain solidified leaving the eyes' meibomian glands clogged.

The heater on the device actually serves two functions; one is to heat up and vaporize the water in the eyecup to create moist heat. The other is to actually heat up the lens itself so the bottom section of the lens defogs, which allows the user to see out of it to read or look at their phone (kind of like defogging on a car windshield).

The Steamgoggle was designed with ease of use, effectiveness and most importantly safety in mind. The inventor, on numerous occasions has microwaved a hot compress and applied it too early, trying to maximize the amount of heat transferred to the eyelids during the compress's short temperature window. The goal was to maximize the treatment effectiveness in unclogging oil glands, as lower temperatures to that point had not improved symptoms. However on numerous occasions, this actually resulted in burns to the skin, causing peeling eyelids and worsened symptoms during the healing period as well as sometime afterwards. Innovative Heater Technology: The SteamGoggle is unique in that it employs the use of special heaters to give a consistent supply of heat with no risk of overheating. These heaters work by heating up to a set temperature defined during their manufacture and cannot overheat due to their construction. This allows the device to create an abundant supply of moist heat not possible with USB type heaters; and without time constraints common with microwaveable and moist towel hot compresses. Additionally, the silicone eyecup that serves as an interface between the users face and plastic lens, is always cool to the touch and eliminates any risk of contact between the eye/face and the heated plastic lens. See our FAQ page for temperature information. ​ The SteamGoggle is able to provide the most safe and effective moist heat dry eye treatment because it employs the use of ceramic PTC (Positive Thermal Coefficient) electric heaters. This heater differs from normal resistive heaters in that it is able to self regulate its temperature via its internal chemistry, and does not require external regulation controls. As the PTC heater reaches a certain temperature (defined during its manufacture), its resistance increases significantly, leading to a decrease in power consumption and preventing the temperature from rising uncontrollably. This proportional relationship between temperature and current flow continues until the target temperature is reached and all current flow stops (the heater is now essentially an insulator). PTC heaters are well known for their reliability and safety, as well as for being very energy efficient. This in turn, allows the device to rapidly heat to and maintain the desired temperature, all while eliminating the risk of overheating common with other electric heaters. See Wikipedia link for more information on self regulating PTC heaters. ​ Separate External (Heater) and Internal (Moist Heat) Cavities: ​ The SteamGoggle works by having two completely separate plastic cavities on each eye piece of the goggle. On the external cavity, a PTC heater encased in silicone, transfers heat through the plastic lens to the internal cavity that features a raised plastic lattice containing clean water. This heat slowly vaporizes the water to create a therapeutic moist heat environment inside the internal cavity. Completely separating the two cavities eliminates any concern over any interaction between the eye and any of the electronics or heater assembly during a treatment session. ​ BPA Free: ​ The Steamgoggle lens is injection molded using a thermoplastic resin called Polyethersulfone (PESU), which is known for being a high performance replacement for Polycarbonate (which contains BPA). Polyethersulfone was chosen as it has a high resistance to heat, is BPA free and is commonly used in household/industry food preparation and cooking applications. It is also known for being used in catering gear, water filtration membranes as well as the internal components used in espresso machines. Switching to this high performance resin approved for cooking and food contact eliminates any concern of BPA leaching that is common with polycarbonate at higher temperatures. ​ Testing: ​ ​Each device following being manufactured, is run through a complete dry treatment cycle (no water applied to plastic lattice) and tested for correct temperature output and electrical characteristics (voltage/current draw) to ensure the device is functioning properly. See link for device Important Safety Instructions.​​​​

Yes, the treatment time can easily be extended to whatever time you prefer as the included powerbank offers enough power for over 15 full treatment cycles. For maximum effect, we actually recommend trying multiple sessions in a row (20-30min), combined with intermittent forced blinking exercises (this is what worked for the inventor-- Click here to learn about his dry eye story). -See below for a more detailed explanation: Each time the power button is pressed, a 1.5 minute warmup time will be followed by a 8.5 minute treatment time as indicated by audible beeps. After the 10 total minutes, the device will shut off power to the heaters. At this time, the majority of the water inside each plastic lattice will have evaporated and the moist heat temperature felt inside each eyecup will begin to decrease. If the treatment ends either by timer or lack of water in the plastic grooves, another session can be initiated (if desired) by simply restarting the timer and adding additional water to the grooves (no need to wait again for the 1.5 minute warm up time as goggle is already warmed up). Typical total treatment times can range from 10-30 minutes although it is recommended to start off at the lower range and evaluate your eyes response to the moist heat. Excessive moist heat can potentially irritate the eyes delicate tissues and result in excessive redness or exacerbated symptoms.

Use the device 1-2 times per day for 2-3 weeks, to evaluate effectiveness. Afterwards, use as needed. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider for additional medical advice regarding your condition.

It is important to wash your eyes with a mild cleanser following treatment to remove any debris dislodged from the oil glands (and accompanying bacteria) from the eyes. Per our instruction guide, we suggest baby soap as an option as it is cheap, easy to find, is generally well tolerated, and has been recommended by eye doctors for years. We understand that some doctors have recently been shifting away from baby soap (due to some of its ingredients being potentially irritating to the eye) to specifically designed eye cleansers. Regardless, the most important part is to keep the eyes clean after using the device and we fully support using what works for you to achieve that goal.

Along with the eyes, the device should be cleaned with a mild cleanser (i.e baby soap) and water after each use. Note that the entire goggle is water resistant (front and back), and can be placed under the faucet to easily wash away any soap remnants. Just ensure that water does not get on the power switch or power bank. A deeper cleaning may be performed with a soft brush to get inside the plastic lattice inside each eyecup to remove any previously solidified gland contents/debris or hard water deposits that may have been deposited during treatment.

The device is powered by the included powerbank, which is able to be charged with any standard USB connection through its USB-C or USB-micro port (we include a USB-micro cable in kit). So yes, as long as you have any standard USB type charger, the device will work fine regardless of country.

In recent years, research has identified MGD (meibomian gland dysfunction) as being one of the leading causes of dry eye type symptoms including, dryness, burning, grittiness, scraping, aching, and the feeling of something in the eye. Meibomian glands are oil glands on the inside of the top and bottom of each eyelid and secrete oil (meibum) with each blink to lubricate the ocular surface and prevent tear evaporation. In some people, the glands become inflamed, which can cause oil secretions to turn from an olive oil consistency to that of toothpaste or thicker. This in turn clogs the glands and sets off a cycle of irritation, inflammation and possibly infection, that is difficult to treat due to the eye’s sensitive nature. Symptoms arise due to a missing/inefficient protective oil layer, which causes excessive tear evaporation and increased friction between the cornea and inner eyelid. Additionally, any of this meibum that does make it out of the glands, immediately exacerbates symptoms as its thick/gritty composition is spread across the ocular surface. Symptoms of MGD can also be similar of a condition called Blepharitis which includes crusty eyelashes and red/swollen eyelids. Both conditions may exist in tandem and exacerbate symptoms. Patients with these chronic diseases (MGD and Blepharitis) should adhere to a daily regimen of eyelid hygiene to help treat symptoms and keep them at bay. Current treatments involve routinely cleaning the ocular region with mild soaps/cleansers and the application of moist heat to help loosen thickened oils to help unclog the glands and restore their function.