Cosmetic Medicine

Contact Lenses: an Overview

Contact lenses are used for corrective (to correct refractive errors of eyes, improve vision etc.), therapeutic and cosmetic purpose. Previously there were only hard contact lenses available, but thanks to Czech chemists Otto Wichterle and Drahoslav Lim who invented present modern soft contact lenses. They also invented the gel that is used for the production of these soft contact lenses. Contact lens was first successfully fitted by Adolf Eugen Fick, a German physiologist, while working in Zurich in the year 1887. only hard contact lenses were available at first and they had many disadvantages like chances of injury to the eyes, painful, chances of infection etc.

At present 3 types of contact lenses are available soft contact lenses, hard contact lenses and gas permeable contact lenses. All have their own advantages and disadvantages. You should decide according to your requirement, which type of contact lens to use. Advantages of soft contact lenses are they are comfortable to use, allow oxygen to penetrate, they are hydrophilic and available as daily use disposable type. The disadvantage of soft contact lens is the clarity of vision is not as good as that of hard contact lenses. The advantages of hard contact lenses are, they are durable and last very long (several years), high clarity of vision etc. The disadvantages of hard contact lenses are, they are not gas permeable, can take up to few weeks to feel comfortable, an wetting solution is required, they are costly (though they last very long and at the end become cost effective). The disadvantages of gas permeable contact lenses are, they become comfortable in about 3 hours, oxygen can penetrate and clarity of vision is reasonable (in between hard and soft lenses). The disadvantages of gas permeable contact lenses are, they are expensive and often inflexible.

The disorders of eyes where contact lenses can be used are myopia (short sightedness), presbyopia (light is refracted too much to one side), astigmatism (this causes distorted curving of the images), hyperopia (far sightedness) etc.

Among the contact lenses, Acuvue contact lenses are considered to be of very good quality. They are available in many colors also, which give you a fresh look or appearance. That’s why the colored contact lenses are also called Freshlook colored contacts. At present the presence of bifocal contact lenses (used for correcting 2 types of eye problems) and disposable contact lenses have made the contact lens industry very popular. The advantages of these 2 types of contact lenses are obvious.

Causes & treatment for baldness or hair loss problem

What is Baldness?

The problem of baldness is so serious that many people fall deep into depression due to hair problems. They develop a kind of inferiority complex. Let us read about normal cycle of hair growth so that we can understand the need for treatment in a better way.

One hair generally lasts for two to six years. In one month, each hair records a growth of approximately one centimeter. During the hair cycle, some are in the process of growing while as some are in the resting phase. After few months, new hair growth starts in place of old hair that falls out. Even if you lose some hair everyday, it should be considered as a part of normal hair cycle process. However, if you experience excessive hair loss, then you should look out for remedial measures.

Causes of Baldness:

There are many causes, which result in excessive hair loss in most people. If you remain ill for a long period, it can also become one of the causes of hair loss. Excessive stress levels can also result in hair loss. Women also experience hair loss or signs of baldness during pregnancy or after giving birth to a baby. This is mainly due to changes in hormone levels. Genetic factors are also responsible for baldness and many people inherit this problem from their ancestors.

Hair loss is usually called male pattern baldness. If you fall in the category of men suffering from male pattern baldness then you should search for some effective prescription drugs for hair loss treatment. One of the effective drugs in the market that treats male pattern baldness is propecia. It is an oral medicine that is available only on prescription from a registered medical doctor. It comes in tablet form and is exclusively for men if they suffer from male pattern baldness. Women should take Propecia under no circumstances. The results become visible after regularly taking this drug for a prescribed duration.