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Each day there is some news from the world of medicine that astounds. The field has taken giant leaps in recent years, with the introduction of new drugs and surgical procedures. Now it is possible to operate on a fetus in the womb with minimal risk to the unborn child. None of this would be possible without the amazing advances in technology. Some modern devices which have helped to improve the delivery of medical care are:
* Smart contact lens: This device, developed at the University of California Davis, helps doctors to properly observe glaucoma patients. It works by using tiny wires to keep tabs on the pressure of fluid in the eye.
* Prosthetics: Modern prosthetic limbs are so advanced many of them can mimic the function of actual limbs. The field has been significantly supported by developments in robotics.
* Stem cells research: This technology verges on the controversial, but there is no denying its potential benefits. Currently it is being explored for use in growing skin for burn victims and developing organs for transplant.
Technology has also helped by making it easier for people to access their medical records. Now anyone with a life threatening condition can get hold of their records online if a sudden need arise. If they are being treated by medical staff unfamiliar with their condition this could make the difference between life and death.
There is also greater use of internal imaging devices for diagnostic testing. These scans have vastly improved over the years, providing doctors with an even more efficient way to reach a diagnosis. It can be argued that the increased use of technology has helped to drive up the cost of healthcare. On the other hand, it resulted in new breakthroughs in dealing with illnesses that usually offer a poor prognosis.