Contact lense industry The contact lens (CL) industry and market have displayed a high level of dynamism in the past few decades, and have evolved into a rapidly changing field in which science and everyday practice constantly interact, not only through broadening of material and product portfolio, but through innovative therapeutic and diagnostic solutions as well. Stable market growth with numerous rearrangements in different product segments is constantly taking place, mainly stirred by

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... ative material and optical design. The standardly used hydrogel materials are being rapidly replaced by silicone doped hydrogel materials. The analyses of customer CL usage and satisfaction indicate continued market growth in future, however with many changes in product profile and significant increase in multifocal and daily disposable lenses market share. The main impulse behind the dynamism of CL industry stems from results of scientific and technological improvements, which are enhancing medical field and reminding us that the focal point of sustainable development lies in scientific investigations. 15 www.intechopen.com 2 Will-be-set-by-IN-TECH Hard cover, 902 pages Publisher InTech This innovative book integrates the disciplines of biomedical science, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, physiological engineering, and hospital management technology. Herein, Biomedical science covers topics on disease pathways, models and treatment mechanisms, and the roles of red palm oil and phytomedicinal plants in reducing HIV and diabetes complications by enhancing antioxidant activity. Biomedical engineering coves topics of biomaterials (biodegradable polymers and magnetic nanomaterials), coronary stents, contact lenses, modelling of flows through tubes of varying cross-section, heart rate variability analysis of diabetic neuropathy, and EEG analysis in brain function assessment. Biotechnology covers the topics of hydrophobic interaction chromatography, protein scaffolds engineering, liposomes for construction of vaccines, induced pluripotent stem cells to fix genetic diseases by regenerative approaches, polymeric drug conjugates for improving the efficacy of anticancer drugs, and genetic modification of animals for agricultural use. Physiological engineering deals with mathematical modelling of physiological (cardiac, lung ventilation, glucose regulation) systems and formulation of indices for medical assessment (such as cardiac contractility, lung disease status, and diabetes risk). Finally, Hospital management science and technology involves the application of both biomedical engineering and industrial engineering for cost-effective operation of a hospital.