Of the 1,000 people in the world, 8 men and 5 women suffer from color vision impairment, commonly known as “color blindness”. Individuals with color vision impairments vary greatly. Some people are only insensitive to certain wavelengths of light, such as the red-green color blindness. But the most serious color blindness cannot distinguish all colors, and is called total color blindness.

The cause of color vision impairment is abnormal cone cells in the human eyes. Cone cells are a type of color vision and strong light-sensing cells on the retina. They are named because their outer nodes are conical. There are three types of cone cells of S-cones, M-cones and L-cones that distinguish colors of blue, green, and red, respectively. Taking deuteranomaly as an example, when the M-cones that are mainly responsible for absorbing green light are abnormal, the light waves it receives will coincide with the red spectral range that the L-cones are responsible for, which will cause the human eyes not to be able to distinguish these colors.

Obstacles in color discrimination not only affect people’s appreciation of beauty, but also disrupt people’s daily lives. Color blind patients will be restricted in their career choices, especially in art, medicine, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, and telecommunications that require color discrimination. Fortunately, the study published in March 2020 by the University of Tel Aviv, Israel, may be able to color the lives of these patients.

By combining ultra-thin optics with existing contact lenses, the team successfully developed a nano-structured contact lens that can greatly alleviate the symptoms of red-green amblyopia, which is also the most common color vision disorder. In order to alleviate color blindness, the method that can be used efficiently is to reduce the excessive intake of color by cone cells. Previously, this technology could only be applied to external eyeglasses. But now, contact lenses developed by the Sharon Karepov team can better help people ease color vision barriers. These contact lens use nano-metric size gold ellipses and are tailored to provide patients with a convenient and lasting solution. This research was also published in The Optical Society (OSA) journal Optics Letters.

However, scientific research results are not achieved overnight. The shape of the contact lens is the first troublesome problem to solve. The researchers faced an obstacle that previously, metasurfaces are only made on flat surfaces, so how to adjust to the curved surfaces of contact lenses. They then developed a technique to successfully solve this problem. This new fabrication process can not only be applied to contact lenses, but also to other non-flat substrates as well.

What’s more, another good news is that this technology has obtained additional effects. Scientists can fine-tune the nanoparticles on the metasurface to manipulate the light passing through it, thus alleviating other common vision problems in one fell swoop.

“The optical components we developed are ultra-thin and can be embedded in any rigid contact lenses, so whether it is amblyopia or other visual impairments, such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, a small pair of contact lenses can solve all these problems.” Introduced by Karepov.

This type of contact lens has not yet entered clinical trials, but researchers have prepared for its further technical development and clinical application. If this technology can be put on the market, it is surely a great news to patients with color blindness and color vision impairment.

A home loan though is a dream-come-true for the borrower, is also a serious commitment to a housing finance organization. The commitment to pay EMIs regularly over a period of one to two decades could be a daunting task. However, some borrowers forget to use a calculator to calculate the monthly home loan EMIs and down payment, as well as the other expenses. A complete understanding of home loans is extremely essential to be clear about all the figures and calculations that go into successfully repaying your financing choice.

More importantly, most borrowers use home loan EMI calculators only at the time of applying for the loan; however, this tool is a helpful online mortgage support throughout the process. Most of the people often forget that they can use a home loan calculator to figure out the initial basic predictions or a rough estimate and several other reasons.

An EMI calculator would also be able to assist you with the possible tax deduction on your annual income. Many individuals may not know that fact that they can directly eliminate the amount of the EMI from their taxable incomes. This is undoubtedly one of the greatest benefits of availing home loans specifically, as no other loan offers you this advantage.

Mostly people use the prediction of the housing loan EMI calculator conclusively as they don’t take into account the fact that the interest rate can change considerably over the years. Housing finance organizations can change rates or you can negotiate a better interest rate than the proposed one. The home loan calculations are much complex and hence, you can use this to your advantage and ask for a lower interest rate. As a customer, you have a right to do so. However, the factors for this negotiation are dependent on your financial status and the availability of choices.

Similarly, a home loan EMI calculator can also offer you in depth insights about the principal amount and the applicable interest over the years. Most people desire an extended tenure, so that they can pay off the loan comfortably. However, a competent home loan EMI calculator would show that increasing the tenure is equivalent to increasing the interest sizably. It is in your best interest to pay your home loan in the shortest tenure possible. Some professionals, who can foresee a rapid growth in their income over the years, should ask for a customized repayment plan so as to pay it off quickly when the cash flow improves.

In Minahasa Utara, a region renowned for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, the role of pharmacies extends beyond the mere provision of medications. Pharmacies have emerged as crucial players in the support of mental health, offering a range of services that contribute significantly to the well-being of the community.

1. Medication Management and Counseling

One of the primary ways pharmacies contribute to mental health is through medication management. In Minahasa Utara, pharmacists are increasingly involved in the management of psychiatric medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics. These medications often require careful monitoring due to their complex dosing regimens and potential side effects. Pharmacists in the region provide essential counseling to patients, ensuring they understand how to use their medications properly, recognize side effects, and adhere to their treatment plans. This guidance helps to optimize therapeutic outcomes and minimize medication-related issues, thereby supporting overall mental health.

2. Mental Health Education

Pharmacies in Minahasa Utara also play a vital role in mental health education. Pharmacists offer educational sessions and distribute informational materials about various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. These initiatives aim to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and empower individuals with knowledge about mental health. By fostering a more informed community, pharmacies help to create an environment where individuals feel more comfortable seeking help and discussing mental health issues.

3. Access to Resources and Referrals

Pharmacies often serve as accessible points of contact for individuals in need of mental health support. In rural or remote areas where mental health services may be limited, pharmacists can act as a bridge to more specialized care. They provide information about local mental health resources, including counseling services and support groups. Additionally, pharmacists can make referrals to mental health professionals, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, ensuring that individuals receive the comprehensive care they need.

4. Support for Mental Health Initiatives

Pharmacies in Minahasa Utara actively participate in and support various mental health initiatives and community programs. They collaborate with local health authorities and non-governmental organizations to promote mental health awareness and support community events. These collaborations help to integrate mental health into broader public health strategies, making mental health a visible and prioritized aspect of community well-being.

5. Addressing Mental Health Stigma

Addressing mental health stigma is another critical contribution of pharmacies. By engaging in open conversations about mental health and providing a non-judgmental space for individuals to discuss their concerns, pharmacists help to challenge and reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions. This supportive approach encourages individuals to seek help without fear of discrimination, which is essential for effective mental health care.

6. Supporting Family Caregivers

Pharmacists also provide valuable support to family members and caregivers of individuals with mental health conditions. They offer advice on how to manage medication, deal with challenging behaviors, and access additional resources. This support helps caregivers to better manage their responsibilities and reduce the emotional and physical strain associated with caring for a loved one with a mental health condition.

In conclusion, pafikabminahasautara play an integral role in mental health support through medication management, education, resource access, community support, stigma reduction, and caregiver assistance. Their contributions are essential in creating a supportive environment where mental health is prioritized, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of the community. As mental health awareness continues to grow, the role of pharmacies in Minahasa Utara is likely to expand, further strengthening their impact on mental health support in the region.