New techniques resculpt the cornea
Article Abstract:
Vision researchers are developing new ways of treating refractive disorders. The FDA in 1995 approved the use of excimer lasers to treat nearsightedness. During the technique, called photorefractive keratotomy (PRK), the laser removes the outer layer of the cornea and reshapes the underlying layer to flatten the cornea. Approximately 250,000 procedures have been done worldwide. Vision is almost entirely restored in 90% of the patients. PRK could generate $1.5 billion in revenue in 1996. A newer technique called laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) does not remove the corneal layer. Other researchers are experimenting with the intrastromal corneal ring (ICR), which is inserted in the cornea where it raises the periphery of the cornea. This in turn flattens the cornea overall.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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Speaking the languages of medicine and culture
Article Abstract:
The rising number of ethnically diverse patients in the U.S. calls for physicians to acknowledge cultural differences in treatment. Physicians will need to understand the social environments of the patient's native country and consider differential diagnoses. A medical interpreter is valuable for foreign-speaking patients. The physician should respect people from other cultures and recognize that Western medicine is not the only avenue. Opening Doors is a foundation-sponsored program designed to reduce cultural barriers to health care. It fosters communication between physician and patient through mediators who can explain Western medicine. Courses on cultural health care have been introduced for medical students at Indiana University School of Medicine.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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Who will vote for the uninsured in '96?
Article Abstract:
It appears that neither Republicans or Democrats have a feasible plan for reducing the number of Americans who have no health insurance. Pres Clinton recently signed legislation that would allow people to keep their insurance even if they switch jobs, but this would not help the estimated 40 million uninsured. Neither party platform offers any hope of changing this number. The Republicans favor turning Medicaid over to the states and creating medical savings accounts that would allow Americans to set aside pre-tax money for future health care bills.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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