OphthaTherapy. Therapies in Ophthalmology

Computer vision syndrome as a growing challenge in ophthalmology. A review of current knowledge

Aleksandra Łubińska-Kowalska — 2025-12-31

For several decades, we have observed a dynamic increase in the use of screen devices, which have become an integral part of everyday life. Modern life, in which conferences, working from home, entertainment, and online shopping are commonplace, contributes to the development of computer vision syndrome. Prolonged exposure to screens and improper use of them cause the symptoms of the syndrome: eye strain, dryness, irritation, headaches, and concentration problems. This article analyzes risk factors, symptoms, and current preventative strategies. It justifies the need to raise awareness and promote a healthy lifestyle among users of digital devices.

Ocular manifestations in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease

Paulina Malon — 2025-12-31

Introduction: Autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and Graves’ disease (GD) can present with ocular manifestations. While these are well documented in GD, less is known about their prevalence and characteristics in HT.
Methods: This narrative review summarizes current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostics, and treatment of ophthalmic symptoms in HT and GD. Special focus is placed on dry eye syndrome, thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), and diagnostic approaches including imaging and tear biomarker analysis.
Results: HT most frequently presents with dry eye syndrome, eyelid edema, and rare manifestations like diplopia or vision loss. TAO, typically associated with GD, is also observed in a small percentage of HT cases. GD-related orbitopathy affects up to 50% of patients and may lead to severe complications, including optic neuropathy. Several immunological markers, including TSHR and IGF-1R, play a key role in the pathogenesis of Graves’ orbitopathy (GO).
Conclusion: Ocular symptoms in HT and GD are diverse and can significantly impact patients’ quality of life. Although GO is more characteristic of GD, its presence in HT should not be underestimated. Comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Correlation between visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in early cataract and glaucoma. A comparative cross-sectional study

Rabia Faheem — 2025-12-31

Background: The study investigates the correlation between visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) in patients with early cataracts and glaucoma, comparing these findings with a control group. This aims to identify visual impairments associated with each condition to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 213 patients using non-probability consecutive sampling included 75 with early cataracts, 75 with early glaucoma, and 63 controls, all with a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of ≥1.0 logMAR. Pre-dilation assessments included medical history, glaucoma status, and lens opacification; BCVA was recorded post-refraction. CS was measured with the MARS chart at 1 m. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21.

Results: Glaucomatous eyes showed mean VA of 0.72 (±0.85) (right eye) and 0.86 (±1.02) (left eye), with CS of 0 (±0) and 4 (±5) respectively. A strong negative correlation was observed between VA and CS in glaucomatous (r = -0.69; p <0.001) and cataract eyes (r = -0.71; p <0.001). Glaucomatous eyes significantly differed in VA from controls: mean 0.45 (±0.28), Z score 7.6; p <0.001, as did cataract eyes: mean 0.4 (±0.3), Z score -5.8; p <0.001. CS in glaucomatous eyes deviated significantly: mean 0.84 (±0.33), Z score -9.05; p <0.001, as did cataract eyes: mean 0.89 (±0.3), Z score -8.63; p <0.001.

Conclusion: Both glaucomatous and cataract eyes showed negative correl

High prevalence of myopia in university students: A concern for the future

Hassan Hashemi — 2025-12-31

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of refractive errors in university students.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017. The samples were selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. After selecting the participants and obtaining informed consent from them, examinations including the measurement of uncorrected and corrected visual acuity, autorefractometry and retinoscopy in non-cycloplegic conditions, and subjective refraction.
Results: Of 854 selected students, 726 participated in the study, of whom 51.7% (n = 375) were female. Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism was seen in 41.87% (38.28–45.47%), 2.75% (1.56–3.95%), and 45.32% (41.69–48.95%) of the students, respectively. Myopia with a spherical equivalent of more than 6 D was detected in 1.5% of the students (n = 11). Age and sex did not have a significant correlation with myopia and hyperopia in this age group. The prevalence of astigmatism was significantly higher in male students (OR = 1.36; 1.02–1.83). The prevalence of WTR, ATR, and oblique astigmatism was 23.4%, 18.5%, and 3.4%, respectively. In total, 60.33% (56.76– 63.90%) of the students were ametropic.
Conclusion: The prevalence of refractive errors, especially myopia, is markedly high in university students. Considering near-work activities in this population, refractive errors, especially myopia, should be corrected in students.

Neuroprotection in glaucoma: a review of available methods

Laura Sikorska — 2025-12-31

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy that, if untreated, leads to irreversible blindness. It ranks second worldwide among causes of permanent vision loss. Although the primary goal of treatment is to lower intraocular pressure, increasing attention is being paid to neuroprotective strategies aimed at protecting retinal ganglion cells from degeneration. This paper aims to review the available methods of neuroprotection in glaucoma. Both pharmacological approaches, including Rho kinase inhibitors, glutamate antagonists (memantine, citicoline), adrenergic receptor agonists (brimonidine), statins, neurotrophic factors, antioxidants, cannabinoids, herbal preparations (Ginkgo biloba, huperzine A), and modern cell-based therapies are discussed. The mechanisms of action of these agents and the current status of clinical research are also included. Although many of these methods show promising results in experimental models, the clinical effectiveness of most interventions remains under investigation.

Adult-onset Coats’ disease. Case series and literature review

Paulina Horwat — 2025-12-31

Adult-onset Coats’ disease is a rare idiopathic retinal vascular disorder. We present three cases of unilateral retinal telangiectasia and exudation diagnosed through clinical examination and fluorescein angiography. All patients were treated with laser photocoagulation and/or: two also underwent cryotherapy, one received transpupillary thermotherapy, and two received adjunctive anti-VEGF therapy. A literature review highlights male predominance, variable age of onset, and frequent macular involvement. Initial vision acuity appears to be the primary predictor of post-treatment outcomes. Early diagnosis and combined therapy can stabilise the disease and preserve vision.

Suspected optic neuritis at the ophthalmological emergency department

Antoni Sieńko — 2025-12-31

Introduction: Optic neuritis is damage and swelling of the optic nerve myelin, presenting with pain during eye movements, decreased visual acuity, color vision deficiency, and visual field loss. It mainly affects people aged 20–45 years, particularly Caucasian women.
The aim: Assessment of the effectiveness of optic neuritis diagnostics at the ophthalmological emergency department
Materials and methods: Analysis of 71 cases from the Emergency Department of the University Clinical Center in Katowice (January–June 2022).
Results: Eye pain was reported in 5 patients, color vision deficiency in 18, and 11 were referred for hospitalization.
Conclusions: Early diagnosis is crucial for vision preservation.

Scientific understanding of advanced therapeutic strategies for nonexudative age-related macular degeneration in 2025

Hanna Wołodkiewicz — 2025-12-31

Age-related macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of severe vision loss in the developed world. Advanced forms of age-related macular degeneration are seen in primarily 2 types, exudative type involving the presence of choroidal neovascularization, and nonexudative age-related macular degeneration with geographic atrophy. The more prevalent form of age-related macular degeneration is nonexudative type, yet with less definitive treatment options. The emergence of anti-VEGF has revolutionized the treatment of exudative type. For nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, vitamins and minerals supplementation known as the AREDS 2 formulation remains a primary care strategy. Recently, two intravitreal anti-complement factors have been approved as a novel treatment – pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol. Many other therapeutic pathways are still being investigated, including stem cell therapy, gene therapy, laser treatment, photobiomodulation, neuroprotective and antioxidant agents, and also surgical options. In this review, we provide an update on prospective treatment options for the management of nonexudative age-related macular degeneration and preventing the progression of geographic atrophy.

Spiral optics in intraocular lenses – a new paradigm in the pursuit of continuous vision after cataract surgery

Bogumił Wowra — 2026-06-23

Age-related cataract is a leading cause of visual impairment due to progressive changes in the crystalline lens. Modern cataract surgery has evolved into a refractive procedure aimed at restoring high-quality vision at multiple distances. Advanced intraocular lenses, including multifocal and EDOF (extended depth-of-focus) designs, address these needs but may cause photic phenomena and reduced contrast sensitivity. Spiral optics is a novel approach based on continuous phase modulation, offering an extended range of vision with fewer optical side effects. Early studies show promising visual outcomes, though further research is needed to confirm long-term safety and efficacy.

The role of Keratosept® drops in perioperative prophylaxis in patients undergoing intravitreal injections

Marek Prost — 2025-12-31

In ophthalmology intravitreal injections are one of the most commonly performed procedures. The most dangerous complication after the procedure is endophthalmitis. The most commonly used preventive measure is the application of povidone-iodine solution before and after the procedure. However, povidone has a cytotoxic effect on the epithelium of the eye surface. Therefore, it is advisable to in still Keratosept eye drops (containing 3 antiseptics, dexpanthenol, and polyvinyl alcohol) 2 days before the procedure and 3 days after to sterilize the surface of the eye before and after the injection and to facilitate the healing of changes in the conjunctival and corneal epithelium after the procedure.