DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PROTECTING THE EYE FROM ADJACENT SKIN TREATMENTS
A skin care apparatus suitable for use in proximity to a subject's eyes. The apparatus includes a treatment device and a stimulus device. Upon activation by a user, such as the subject or a technician, a stimulus delivered by the stimulus device causes the subject's eyelid to close prior to the administration of a skin care treatment by the treatment device.
1 . A skin care apparatus for treating an area adjacent a subject's eye, comprising:
a body;
a treatment device carried by the body;
a stimulus device carried by the body;
a treatment switch; and
a treatment control coupled to the treatment device and the stimulus device, wherein the treatment control, when signaled by the treatment switch, is configured to cause the stimulus device to generate a stimulus and to administer the stimulus at the subject's eye suitable for closure thereof, and thereafter, is configured to cause the treatment device to administer a treatment to the area adjacent the subject's eye.
2 . The skin care apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the stimulus device includes a stimulus generator that is configured to generate a stimulus.
3 . The skin care apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the stimulus is one of a flash of light and a burst of sound, pressure, or air.
4 . The skin care apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the treatment includes a chemical spray.
5 . The skin care apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the stimulus device includes a stimulus generator and an applicator.
6 . The skin care apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the stimulus generator includes one of a fan, a blower, a piston, a piezoelectric device, a pump, and a source of compressed gas.
7 . The skin care apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the treatment control causes the stimulus device to administer the stimulus for a duration of 80 milliseconds or longer.
8 . The skin care apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the treatment control causes the treatment device to administer the treatment at least 80 milliseconds after initiation of stimulus administration.
9 . The skin care apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the treatment is selected form a group consisting of microdermabrasion, chemical treatment, laser treatment, ultrasound, and cosmetic cleaning.
10 . The skin care apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the stimulus device includes a stimulus nozzle, and wherein the stimulus is administered via the stimulus nozzle.
11 . The skin care apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the treatment device includes a treatment nozzle, and wherein the treatment is administered via the treatment nozzle.
12 . The skin care apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the treatment nozzle produces a treatment envelope and the stimulus nozzle produces a stimulus envelope.
13 . The skin care apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the treatment envelope is contained within the stimulus envelope.
14 . A method for treating an area adjacent a subject's eye, the method comprising:
administering a stimulus at the subject's eye; and, thereafter
administering a treatment to the area adjacent the subject's eye.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein administering a stimulus includes:
generating a stimulus; and
delivering the stimulus at the subject's eye sufficient to close the subject's eye via reflex.
16 . The method of claim 14 , wherein administering a stimulus includes:
administering the stimulus for a duration of 80 millisecond or longer.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein administering the treatment includes:
administering the treatment at least 80 milliseconds after initiation of stimulus administration.