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The vision acuity tests will also identify certain vision problems that could cause long-term disabilities if not aggressively treated by a number of methods. Patients with cataracts will probably notice the problem first because the lens of the affected eye will look cloudy. The ophthalmologist might expect an elderly person to have a nuclear cataract due to how old they are, but other vision care problems are possible because there are other lifestyles that produce cortical and sub-capsular cataracts.

Some vision care problems show no symptoms until irreparable damage is done. Glaucoma is one of those eye care problems that sneak up over a period of time and cause people to go blind without knowing why until it is too late. Glaucoma is one of the easiest to treat without any surgical procedures being performed. Most ophthalmologists will prescribe eye drops to be placed in each eye on a regular basis, and those that fail this simple task are the ones that go blind when there was no need to.

The vision care problems that vision care patients experience with glaucoma are diminished views with the peripheral vision capabilities of one or both eyes. This vision care problem will be ever so slight but over time it can be devastating to those that are diagnosed with this eye problem. The vision test that will identify those people who have glaucoma is a simple puff of air, which is blown into the eye by a handy tool called an ophthalmoscope.

Almost all vision care problems are caused by hereditary or are congenital in nature. People that make an investment in their eyesight by having regular eye exams will often discover vision problems before they develop into larger problems. They will also be assured of enjoying life with better visual acuity because the tests will identify problems and give physicians the upper hand in correcting them. Through regular check-ups and taking certain precautions during sports, or any outdoor activity, people will find that they have fewer problems with vision throughout life.

To avoid eye injuries while playing sports, a parent might require a child to wear protective eyewear or limit the child to non-contact sports where head contact is less prevalent. These precautions will keep vision problems to a minimum and ensure that a child will enter adulthood equipped with two vital resources that operate in pristine condition. Children should also learn to report any problem they have relating to vision because, as we all know, treating any type of problem quick before it gets even more complicated is the best form of medicine around.

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X-ray technology has been around for over 100 years.  Many of us are familiar with the process of having x-rays taken, and we have all seen doctors look at x-ray images.  In 1977, through the use of magnets, a new medical technology was developed as an alternative to (or an advanced version of) the x-ray.  The technology was first called Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, but later became more commonly called Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI.  MRI technology utilizes a powerful magnetic field to visualize the structure and functions in the human body.  Unlike an x-ray, which can only depict a two dimensional image, MRI evaluates the body three dimensionally, allowing more careful evaluation and study of the body.  These systems are used a great deal in the field of oncology or diagnosis of cancer.

Though MRI technology is relatively new, only 30 years old, it has already become a very important a diagnostic tool.  There are now mobile MRI units carried in specialized semi trailer trucks that travel to service rural areas.  For those rural hospitals that cannot afford their own MRI unit, they can schedule the mobile MRI semi truck to visit on a somewhat regular basis so that doctors in the area can schedule patients to have an MRI as needed.  The magnetic field created by an MRI machine is so strong that lead lined walls are used in the semi trailer to prevent the magnets from pulling automobiles off the road and into the side of the vehicle.

In some other exploratory areas of medicine, magnets are now being used for pain reduction and healing.  Some doctors and medical researchers believe magnet therapy is a better alternative than drugs or surgery, because there are no potentially harmful side effects or long recovery time.  Whether or not magnet therapy really works is a hotly debated topic.  Many testimonials have been recorded from satisfied patients.  Is the relief real or only in the minds of the patients?  Time will tell, as current research continues to evaluate the ability of magnet technology to reduce pain and enhance the natural healing process of the body.

Interestingly enough, magnets have been used in health care for hundreds of centuries.  The old recorded history of magnets being used for medicinal purposes is traced back to Africa, where a magnetite mine has been discovered.  The mine, which is believed to be over 100,000 years old, was a major source of magnetite for medicinal purposes.  The magnetite was ground up and used in topical ointments, potions, and foods for health purposes.

In Eastern medicine, magnets have been used since 600 B.C. to reduce pain, much in the same way as acupuncture.  Magnets were placed on specific points of the body called meridian channels, so as to improve blood flow and reduce pain.  From a holistic medicine standpoint, magnets are a good alternative to traditional Western medicines because they provide a non-invasive treatment option.  Many Asian cultures believe that magnets can be used to promote and enhance overall well-being and health.

Modern medicine has come a long way in its use of magnet technology, and new discoveries continue to be made about what magnets can do for us.  There is no question that the future will continue to bring new advancements in the medicinal uses of magnet technology.