In today’s world of health care, technology is continually evolving in new and innovative ways that assist with patient care and other areas. Some of the most important improvements in healthcare in recent years have come courtesy of LED technology, which was once used primarily for only circuit boards and control panels. However, LED technology now plays a crucial role in everything from surgery to potentially treating diabetes. As for how LED technology may help you now and in the future, here are some fascinating ways it is improving healthcare.
Endoscopic Equipment
Whereas endoscopic equipment once relied on fiber optics placed at the head of these instruments, LED modules have now taken their place. High-powered, longer-lasting, and providing a better luminous output that allows doctors to gain a better view while examining their patients, LED technology is now commonly found on such medical equipment as surgical forceps, tissue retractors, and examination probes used for colonoscopies and other procedures.
Surgical Lighting
Replacing traditional halogen bulbs, LED technology has improved how surgeons and staff perform various operations. Since LED surgical lights provide a high-intensity white light that allows for greater illumination within the operating room, surgeons and other team members suffer less eye strain and mental fatigue during long sessions in the OR. In addition, LED lights allow for greater visibility on the specific wound area, giving surgeons the light needed to perform delicate procedures.
Phototherapy
For people who suffer from sleep disorders and other similar conditions, phototherapy using LED lighting has been found to be very effective. Since light intensities using LED technology can vary much more easily than with previous types of lights, it can allow doctors to vary wavelengths depending on a patient’s needs. For example, patients suffering from seasonal affective disorder can be treated with high-powered LED white lights to simulate sunshine, while those with sleep disorders can use it to reset their circadian rhythms.
Glucose Monitoring
Though still in research stages, LED technology is being used in South Korea and other nations to help diabetics with glucose monitoring. Thus, if you are a diabetic, you may soon be able to wear “smart” contact lenses implanted with glucose sensors containing LED technology. According to researchers, the LED technology can assist in monitoring glucose levels in a person’s tears, providing instant results on an embedded LED display.
With LED technology now being used in more and more healthcare applications, you may now find it being used to assist in treating virtually any condition from which you suffer.
"Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan."
