Digital Heat launches Scorpion 1-Touch for office use

NEW ORLEANS – Digital Heat announced the launch of the Scorpion 1, designed for treating patients in-office for meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eye, blepharitis, styes or chalazia.

Digital Heat President and CEO John Devine explained during a company-sponsored press conference here at SECO that his original product, the Heated Eye Pad, was intended for patients to use at home.

After receiving feedback from doctors, Devine learned they wanted a sleeker-looking device with a higher temperature and time modes, so Scorpion 1-Touch was created.

Devine said at the press conference that he originally created the Heated Eye Pad to help soothe his own eyelids after multiple eyelid surgeries. His oculoplastic surgeon told Devine, who has a background in computers and software, that it was important to use warm compresses on his eyelids.

“I investigated what was on the market and couldn’t find anything that was sustainable,” Devine said. “So, I made this device, and my doctor commented that my eyelids were looking better, and she asked what I was using. I showed her my initial prototype device and she told me that there was nothing like it on the market and that it would help people.”

Thus, he formed Digital Heat in 2013. He said the Mayo Clinic was interested in selling it in its optical shop if he attained FDA clearance, which he did.

The device resembles spectacles with small heating pad attachments. They are designed to fit any face with a powerful heating pad for the application of localized heat therapy.

“It heats only where needed, on the eyelids, with a constant, precise temperature, and you can use it at home or in-office,” Devine said.

Treating all four eyelids takes 10 minutes. One-touch activation, automatic shutoff and the 100% portable nature of the device adds to its convenience and ease of use, he said.

Devine noted that the only consumable for the device is the alcohol wipes to clean the surface; the thin heating pad material is proprietary and non-latex. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: Devine is president and CEO of Digital Heat.