Topical Treatment of Elevated Intraocular Pressure in Patients with Graves' Orbitopathy.

Purpose: In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of topical hypotensive treatment and/or systemic corticosteroids therapy in patients with elevated intraocular pressure and Graves' orbitopathy (GO). Methods: We included 172 eyes in 86 individuals with duration of GO ≥ 3 months, intraocular pressure in either eye ≥ 25.0 mmHg, and GO ranked ≥ 3 at least in one eye in modified CAS form. The study subjects were divided into three treatment subgroups: subgroup I was administered latanoprost once a day; subgroup II was administered a combined preparation of brimonidine and timolol BID; subgroup III was the control group, not receiving any topical hypotensive treatment. All the study participants received systemic treatment, intravenous corticosteroid therapy at the same dose, according to the European Group of Graves' Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) guideline. Results: On the final visit, the mean IOP value was significantly lower in all treatment subgroups compared to the initial values. In both subgroups receiving topical treatment, the IOP reduction was higher than in the control group receiving systemic corticosteroids only. However, the latanoprost eye drops decreased intraocular pressure more effectively than drops containing brimonidine and timolol. Conclusion: Topical ocular hypotensive treatment is effective in reducing intraocular pressure in GO and decreases intraocular pressure more effectively than systemic corticosteroid therapy alone.

The Role of Angiogenesis Factors in the Formation of Vascular Changes in Scleroderma by Assessment of the Concentrations of VEGF and sVEGFR2 in Blood Serum and Tear Fluid.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by tissue hypoxia, excessive fibrosis of skin and internal organs, and angiogenesis imbalance. The aim of the study was to evaluate in SSc patients the association between the retinal microcirculation disturbances and the presence of peripheral trophic changes and to determine the role of angiogenesis factors in the formation of vascular changes in scleroderma. Twenty-five SSc patients and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included to the study. Assay of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and soluble VEGF receptor-2 (sVEGFR-2) in blood serum and tears was done for all patients and controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Retinal blood circulation was investigated with fluorescein angiography (FA) in the SSc patients only. In our research, proportion of mainly hypertensive patients presenting with a large spectrum of retinal microvascular lesions was 72%, while proportion of patients with skin microvascular lesions within distal phalanxes of fingers and toes was 76%. We noticed that patients with pathological changes in the FA examination had finger ulcerations significantly more often than patients without changes in the eye fundus. There were no statistically significant differences in the serum concentration of VEGF and sVEGFR2 between subjects in both analyzed groups. Analysis of lower levels of VEGF (p = <0.001) and sVEGFR-2 (p = <0.001) in blood serum accompanied by simultaneous higher levels of VEGF/sVEGFR-2 ratio in tears of SSc patients, as compared with the control group, indicates the superiority of proangiogenic factors in patients' tears.

[Evaluation of color perception in individuals addicted to narcotic substances in the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test]. / Ocena testem Farnswortha-Munsella 100-Hue percepcji barw u osób uzaleznionych od narkotyków.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess color perception in the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test in individuals addicted to narcotic substances, and to analyze the acquired color vision disorders, depending on the duration of addiction and abstinence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-five persons were qualified for the study. All the subjects were divided into 3 groups. Group I (drug addicts) comprised 45 individuals addicted to narcotic substances and nicotine. Group II (smokers) consisted of 30 individuals addicted only to nicotine, and group III (abstinents) included 20 individuals free of addictions. In all the study groups anamnesis, survey, standard ophthalmological examination and the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test were performed. RESULTS: In the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test the mean values of total error score (TES) for the purposes of the analysis, expressed in the values of square root (√TES), proved to be significantly higher in group I than in the two other groups (p < 0.001). In group I, the √TES values exceeding critical values of age norms occurred significantly more frequently than in groups II (p < 0.01) and III (p < 0.05). A positive correlation between duration of addiction and the √TES values was indicated (ρ = 0.234, p < 0.05). The longer was the period of abstinence, the lower were the √TES values, indicating the improved ability to distinguish between colors. CONCLUSIONS: The Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test proved useful in the detection and assessment of acquired dyschromatopsy induced by narcotic substances. The observed disorders appeared to be dependent on the duration of addiction and abstinence. Med Pr 2016;67(6):777-785.

Corneal biomechanical changes and intraocular pressure in patients with thyroid orbitopathy.

AIM: To determine the relevance of the objective parameters addressing the altered biomechanical properties of cornea for glaucoma monitoring in patients with mild or moderate thyroid associated orbitopathy (TAO), and in healthy individuals. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with TAO (group 1) and 25 healthy adults (group 2) were included to the study. Both groups were of a similar age and the ratio women:man. For each patient, the following parameters of both eyes were measured with ocular response analyzer (ORA): corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldmann correlated intraocular pressure (IOPg) and corneal compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc). In both groups participating in our study, all measurements were performed within minutes to reduce the diurnal effects. RESULTS: The mean age in group 1 was 56±11y and 76% were women, 24% were men. The mean age in group 2 was 64±11y and 68% were women, 32% were men. CH correlated negatively with IOPg in group 1 (r (2)=0.10, P<0.05). IOPg strongly correlated with IOPcc in both groups (group 1: r (2)=0.79, P<0.0001; group 2: r (2)=0.85, P<0.0001). There was positive correlation between CRF and IOPg in group 1 (r (2)=0.12, P<0.05) and in group 2 (r (2)=0.31, P<0.0001). Statistical analysis revealed no significant correlation between CRF and IOPcc in group 1 (r (2)=0.009, P>0.05) and also no significant correlation in group 2 (r (2)=0.04, P>0.05). CRF mean value in group 2 (11.51±1.72 mm Hg) was higher than in group 1 (10.85±1.45 mm Hg) (P<0.05). IOPg strongly correlated with IOPcc in both groups (group 1: r (2)=0.79, P<0.0001; group 2: r (2)=0.85, P<0.0001). There was also strong correlation between CRF and CH in both populations: group 1: (r (2)=0.58, P<0.0001), group 2: (r (2)=0.41, P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Biomechanical parameters of cornea, as quantified by CH and CRF, and measured together with IOPcc, precisely reveal glaucoma staging in TAO and thus are reliable for diagnosing and follow-up in clinical practice.

Serum MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers of AMD.

BACKGROUND: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of blindness worldwide. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in serum have emerged as novel candidate biomarkers for many diseases. The aim of the present study was to identify a serum microRNA (miRNA) expression profile specific for dry and wet forms of AMD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serum miRNA expression was first screened using TaqMan® Human MicroRNA Array A (Applied Biosystems). An extensive, self-validated, individual, quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) study was then performed on a cohort of 300 AMD patients (150 wet form and 150 dry form) and 200 controls. The Mann-Whitney U test and nonparametric Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: miRNA expression analysis revealed increased expression of miR661 and miR3121 in serum of patients with dry AMD and miR4258, miR889, and Let7 in patients with wet form. Expression of analyzed miRNA was not observed or remained at low level in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in miRNA serum profile exist between patients with wet and dry form of AMD, which indicates miRNAs as potential biomarkers of AMD. Further studies should be performed to confirm its significance in clinical practice.

Assessment of skin microcirculation by laser Doppler flowmetry in systemic sclerosis patients.

INTRODUCTION: First lesions to occur in the course of systemic sclerosis (SSc) involve microcirculation. AIM: The study involved assessment of the suitability of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) in examination of the performance of skin microcirculation in the distal portion of the upper extremity in SSc patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Overall the study involved 27 patients with systemic sclerosis. The control group comprised age - and gender-matched 27 healthy individuals. All the study subjects underwent microcirculation perfusion measurement at rest (rest flow - RF) as well as microcirculatory flow challenge tests - reactive hyperaemia test (RHT) and thermal stimulation test (TST). RESULTS: The study did not show any differences in the skin microcirculation perfusion at rest between the test group and the control, while reactive hyperaemia test results revealed significantly lower skin microcirculation perfusion values during the cuff inflation in SSc patients, as compared to the controls. In the test group, a lower perfusion value was observed during secondary hyperaemia following cuff release. Comparative analysis of skin microcirculation perfusion changes during the thermal stimulation test revealed a significantly lower change of the perfusion value and longer time of return to the baseline in the test group as compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The study performed has shown the suitability of LDF in the assessment of the microangiopathy degree in systemic sclerosis patients. The skin perfusion value in SSc patients should be assessed on the basis of parameters obtained in microcirculation challenge tests.

Prevalence of ocular manifestations in systemic sclerosis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc) is a severe chronic connective tissue disease caused by immune system disorders and changes in the structure and functions of blood vessels, which consequently leads to enhanced tissue fibrosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the organ of vision in systemic sclerosis patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Overall the study involved 27 patients with systemic sclerosis. The control group comprised 27 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. All the study subjects underwent complete ophthalmological examination that in systemic sclerosis patients additionally involved fluorescein angiography. RESULTS: OPHTHALMOLOGICAL EXAMINATION REVEALED HIGHER INCIDENCE OF THE FOLLOWING ABNORMALITIES IN THE STUDY GROUP, COMPARED TO THE CONTROL: symptoms of dry eye syndrome (19 eyes, p < 0.02), astigmatism(in 30 eyes, p < 0.01), posterior subcapsular cataract (10 eyes, p < 0.05), increased intraocular pressure (> 21 mm Hg were observed in 11 eyes, p < 0.002) and vascular abnormalities within fundus in fluorescein angiography (20 eyes). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with systemic sclerosis numerous abnormalities within the vision of organ may be found. Regular ophthalmological examinations are essential among the mentioned group. The examination should be particularly focused on the presence of retinal vascular abnormalities.

[Ocular findings in Polish Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, a review of medical examinations by The Military Medical Commission in Lodz]. / Analiza okulistyczna stanu zdrowia zolnierzy powracajqcych z misji w iraku i w Afganistanie na podstawie badan Terenowej Wojskowej Komisji Lekarskiej (TWKL) w Lodzi.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of ocular disorders among Polish soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan military campaigns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of the Military Medical Commission of Lodz, Poland was performed. Records of 296 randomly selected soldiers, including 98 who returned from Iraq in 2004 and in 198 who returned from Afghanistan in 2012, were assessed. All subjects underwent comprehensive ocular examinations according to the military regulations. We used statistical analysis to review the results. RESULTS: The incidence of ocular disorders in Iraq and Afghanistan groups was 17.3% and 15.1%, respectively. The study revealed that the most common disorders among soldiers were refractive errors affecting 6.8% subjects, followed by defective color vision (4.7%) and solar retinopathy (3.0%). Combat injuries were diagnosed in 3 subjects, including 2 cases of corneal injury and 1 case of retinal detachment due to blast exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Combat injuries occurred in 1% of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan military campaigns. There were no statistically significant differences between Iraq and Afghanistan groups in the incidence of ocular disorders. Solar retinopathy was the most common problem related to the long-term exposure to rough climate conditions in both groups. ocular findings, Iraq, Afghanistan.

A prospective study on different methods for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization. The efficacy of verteporfin photodynamic therapy, intravitreal bevacizumab and transpupillary thermotherapy in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT), intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (IVB) and transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). MATERIAL/METHODS: The study design was a prospective, interventional, comparative case series. Between December 2006 and March 2009, 426 eyes of 426 consecutive patients presenting with neovascular AMD were included into the study. Patients presented with subfoveal CNV predominantly classic, minimally classic, and occult with no classic component; lesion size less than 5000 µm in the greatest linear dimension, and the area of hemorrhages ≤1/3 were randomized to receive either PDT (group I) or IVB (group II) in a 1:1 ratio. Other patients with CNV were included into the group III and received TTT. RESULTS: One hundred eyes were treated with PDT. Mean baseline logMAR BCVA was 0.62 and final visual acuity decreased to 0.74 (p<0.05, Wilcoxon test); 104 eyes were treated with IVB. Mean baseline BCVA was 0.82 and final visual acuity increased to 0.79 (p>0.05, Wilcoxon test); 222 patients were treated with TTT. Mean baseline BCVA was 1.10 and final visual acuity decreased to 1.15 (p>0.05, Wilcoxon test). Among all eyes the average number of treatment sessions was 2.34 (SD 1.17). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that IVB injections had the best efficacy in the improvement of final BCVA. However, both IVB and TTT demonstrated good stabilization of vision. Although after PDT final BCVA was significantly worse from baseline, it may also be beneficial for some patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Correlation of the severity of diabetic retinopathy and the heart muscle perfusion in patients with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate whether microvascular disturbances in patients with type 2 diabetes (DM) as defined by retinal examination predict the existence of macrovascular disturbances found on radioisotopic perfusion examinations of the heart muscle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients with type 2 DM and an additional cardiovascular risk factor were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, including fundus color photography and fluorescein angiography, and were divided into three groups: group 1 (NoDR): met the inclusion criteria but had no diabetic retinopathy; group 2 (NPDR): had signs of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy; group 3 (PDR): had signs of preproliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy. After collecting general medical history and clinical data, patients underwent heart muscle perfusion studies. All patients followed a 48-h protocol heart muscle perfusion examination in the rest state as well as after the standardized exercise test. Single photon emission computed tomography examination was performed. RESULTS: In the PDR group, the impairment of the heart muscle perfusion at stress and rest was more frequent than in the NPDR and NoDR groups. Analysis of the heart muscle perfusion results for the three groups showed a significant relationship with the severity of microvascular complications observed in eye fundus examinations. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive ophthalmologic assessment of the progression of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 DM may be an indicator of heart muscle perfusion disturbance.

Pulsatile ocular blood flow in subjects with sleep apnoea syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to determine the correlation between pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF) and sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were recruited from those who underwent polysomnography in the "Sleep Unit" of the physiology department (Medical University, Lodz, Poland). A total of 52 Caucasian patients, 34 with SAS and 18 age- and gender-matched controls, were included in the study. Comprehensive ophthalmic examination included the pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF) measurements, disc analysis with Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II and Oculus Centerfield computerized perimetry as well as the best visual acuity, a slit lamp and indirect ophthalmoscopic evaluation of anterior and posterior segments and applanation tonometry. RESULTS: The observed prevalence of glaucoma in SAS patients was 5.9% (2 of 34). The mean values of POBF were 1069.21 ±235.94 µl/min in the SAS group and 1061.78 ±174.63 µl/min in the control group. The study revealed that the differences of mean POBF between the SAS patients and the control group were not statistically significant: Mann-Whitney U-test p > 0.05. No correlations were found between sleep apnoea syndrome and mean intraocular pressure (IOP), mean retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and visual field mean defect (MD). CONCLUSIONS: No correlation was found between pulsatile ocular blood flow and sleep apnoea syndrome. Although some previous studies found an association between IOP, MD, RNFL thickness and sleep apnoea syndrome, our study did not confirm that. However, a high prevalence of glaucoma was found among SAS patients in Poland.

Assessment of blood flow in posterior ciliary arteries and its correlation with intraocular and arterial blood pressures in patients with open angle glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: At present, the vascular theory of glaucomatous neuropathy is still the subject of intensive scientific studies aiming at settling the relationship between the development of glaucomatous neuropathy and vascular factors. Therefore the purpose of this study was to assess the blood flow parameters in the posterior ciliary artery and middle cerebral artery in patients with glaucoma and the correlation of glaucomatous changes with flow in vessels supplying the retina, choroid and anterior segment of the optic nerve in patients with glaucoma with and without coexisting arterial hypertension. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study comprised 50 patients who were divided into two groups: group I - 25 patients (50 eyes) with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) without coexisting arterial hypertension; and group II - 25 patients (50 eyes) with POAG with diagnosed and treated arterial hypertension. RESULTS: The median of the mean maximal velocity in posterior ciliary arteries was 10.4 cm/s in patients from group I. In patients with POAG and arterial hypertension the median of the mean maximal velocity in posterior ciliary arteries was 8.95 cm/s (p<0.002). In group I the median of the Gosling pulsatility index (PI) in posterior ciliary arteries was 1.0, whereas in group II the median was 1.16 (p<0.002). The median of the pulsatility transmission index (PTI) for cerebral and ocular vessels was 1.3 in group I, whereas in group II the median was 1.38 (p<0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The coexistence of arterial hypertension in glaucoma patients significantly worsens microcirculation in the area of posterior ciliary arteries and may be the cause of accelerated progression of glaucomatous neuropathy.

Intraocular matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 in patients with diabetes mellitus with and without diabetic retinopathy.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate activities of metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in aqueous humour of patients with diabetes mellitus with various stages of diabetic retinopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 36 samples of aqueous humour of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus, undergoing routine cataract surgery. Seven of them suffered from proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), 3 had diabetic maculopathy and the remaining 26 had background or minimal background retinopathy only. Metalloproteinases 2 and MMP-9 activities in aqueous humour were measured by gelatin zymography combined with the densitometric imaging system. Total protein content in aqueous humour samples was also assessed. RESULTS: Metalloproteinases 2 activities were present in almost all samples of aqueous humour (32 of 36) and were 2.6-fold higher in patients who suffered from diabetic ocular complications (p < 0.0001). Activities of MMP-2 correlated well with the duration of the disease (correlation = 0.37, p = 0.03) and tended to correlate with total protein levels in aqueous humour (correlation = 0.43, p = 0.06). Metalloproteinases 9 activities were observed only in 2 of 7 patients with proliferative diabetic disease and the enzyme was absent from aqueous humour samples of patients without proliferative retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Increased activities of MMP-2 in aqueous humour of patients with PDR may be related to the disease process and support the hypothesis that MMP-2 may be of particular importance in diabetic retinal neovascularization. MMP-9 may be activated at a certain disease stage only.

Progression of diabetic retinopathy correlated with muscle perfusion disturbances of the lower limbs, with clinically important diagnostic recommendations.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between microvascular and macrovascular disturbances in patients with type 2 diabetes, as shown by results of ophthalmological examination and by vascular and perfusion examinations of the lower limbs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 85 patients with type 2 diabetes and an additional cardiovascular risk factor were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent complex ophthalmological examination, including fundus colour photography and fluorescein angiography, and were divided into two groups: group I with signs of diabetic non-proliferative retinopathy (NPDR), and group II with signs of diabetic proliferative retinopathy (P/PDR). After collection of the general medical history and analysis of medical data, patients underwent vascular and muscle perfusion examination of the lower limbs. RESULTS: In the P/PDR group, disturbances of lower-limb perfusion were more frequent than in the NPDR group. Analysis of the blood flow and results of lower-limb muscle perfusion for the two groups showed a significant relationship with the severity of microvascular complications observed in examination of the fundus. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmological assessment of the progression of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes is a reliable indicator of the changes in peripheral vessel systems and perfusion defects in the lower limbs.

Ocular findings among young men: a 12-year prevalence study of military service in Poland.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of ocular diseases among young men and to assess the main ocular causes reflecting discharge from military service in Poland. METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of 105 017 men undergoing a preliminary examination for military service during the period 1993-2004. Sample size for the study was calculated with 99% confidence within an error margin of 5%. All of the study participants were White men of European origin, most of whom live or lived in Poland. Data regarding the vision status were assessed in 1938 eyes of 969 participants. Two groups were distinguished based on the age of the participants: group I aged 18-24 years, and group II aged 25-34 years. RESULTS: Presented visual impairment [visual acuity (VA)<20/40)] followed by colour vision defects were the most common ocular disorders, accounting for 13.2%. There were statistically significant differences in uncorrected VA as well as in the rates of particular refractive errors in between the age groups (p<0.05). The prevalence of glaucoma and ocular hypertension was significantly higher in older participants. Six hundred and sixty-seven (68.8%) participants examined medically in the study period were accepted for military service. However, 302 (31.2%) failed their examination and were temporarily or permanently discharged from duty. Fifty-two of them (17.2%) were discharged because of various ocular disorders. The most common causes were high refractive errors, which accounted for 38.5% of all the ocular discharges, followed by chronic and recurrent diseases of the posterior segment of the eye, which accounted for 19.2%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ocular disorders among young men in an unselected military population was closer to the results obtained in other population-based studies comprising both men and women in the same age group. High refractive errors followed by chronic and recurrent diseases of the posterior segment of the eye are important causes of medical discharges from military service in Poland.

Efficacy and safety of travoprost/timolol vs dorzolamide/timolol in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

PURPOSE: To compare the intraocular pressure- (IOP-) lowering efficacy of fixed combinations travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% and dorzolamide 2%/timolol 0.5% in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter, double-masked, randomized clinical trial, 319 qualifying patients received either travoprost/timolol once daily in the morning (n = 157) or dorzolamide/timolol twice daily (n = 162). IOP was assessed morning and evening at 2 and 6 weeks. The primary outcome measure was mean diurnal IOP. RESULTS: Baseline mean IOP values were similar between groups. Mean pooled diurnal IOP was significantly lower in the travoprost/timolol group (16.5 mmHg +/- 0.23) than in the dorzolamide/timolol group (17.3 mmHg +/- 0.23; P = 0.011). Mean IOP was significantly lower in the travoprost/timolol group compared to the dorzolamide/timolol group at the 9 AM time point both at Week 2 (P = 0.006) and Week 6 (P = 0.002). The travoprost/timolol combination produced mean IOP reductions from baseline of 35.3% to 38.5%, while the dorzolamide/timolol combination produced mean IOP reductions from baseline of 32.5% to 34.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The fixed combination travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% dosed once daily in the morning demonstrated superior mean diurnal IOP-lowering efficacy compared to dorzolamide 2%/timolol 0.5% dosed twice daily in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma.

[Epidemiology of ocular diseases--a review of medical examinations from The Area of Military Medical Commission in Lodz]. / Epidemiologia wybranych chorób narzadu wzroku u badanych przez Terenowa Wojskowa Komisje Lekarska w Lodzi.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of ocular diseases among candidates and members of Military Service. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of medical examinations for entry to the military service from The Area of Military Medical Ophthalmic Commission in Lodz. We used statistic analysis to review the results. RESULTS: Statistic analysis revealed that the commonest ocular diseases are in order: refractive errors, color vision disturbances and strabismus. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The prevalence of ocular diseases among candidates and members of Polish Military Service is the same as discovered in other ophthalmologic researches. 2. Commonest ocular diseases were refractive errors (21.63% in total).

Correctable and non-correctable visual impairment among young males: a 12-year prevalence study of the Military Service in Poland.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of correctable and non-correctable visual impairment in a representative sample of young males commissioned for Military Service in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data concerning vision status was retrospectively reviewed in 969 subjects of European Caucasian origin, most of whom live and have lived in Poland. They were selected from the original database comprising 105017 subjects examined in the period 1993-2004. Based on the age of subjects they were divided into two groups; group I aged 18-24 and group II aged 25-34 years. Visual impairment was defined as distance visual acuity of <20/40 in one or both eyes. Non-correctable impairment was defined as that which was not eliminated by refractive correction. RESULTS: A total of 1938 eyes of 969 white males were examined. There was statistically significant association between rates of visual impairment and increasing age (p < 0.001). Visual impairment was found in 128 (13.2%) subjects in at least one eye. Non-correctable visual impairment was found in 12 (1.2%) subjects. Amblyopia was the main cause, accounting for eight cases (66.67%). Correctable visual impairment was found in the remaining 116 (12.0%) patients. Among them myopia was the most common refractive error and accounted for 75.8%. Differences between age-specific rates of refractive errors were statistically significant (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate refractive correction improves visual acuity in most subjects presenting with visual impairment. There was a relatively low prevalence of non-correctable visual impairment in a population of young adults in Poland, and this was mainly due to amblyopia.

[Possibilities of applying cannabinoids' in the treatment of glaucoma]. / Mozliwosci zastosowania kannabinoidów w leczeniu jaskry.

Over a period of several decades numerous scientific research has proven that, regardless of the route of administration, cannabinoids are able to decrease intraocular pressure. What is more, these compounds are characterized by neuroprotection and vasodilatation properties, that additionally substantiate it's therapeutic utility in conservative treatment of glaucoma. So far, it has not been described in details what mechanism is used to lower the intraocular pressure by cannabinoids. Nevertheless, the presence of endocannabinoid receptors in structures of the eye responsible for formation and outflow of aqueous humor is an explanation for effectiveness of these compounds, when administered in topical form. These days, with the aid of modern pharmacological technology are available significantly bigger possibilities of improving bioavailability of cannabinoids administered to the eye than in the past, as well as limitation of it's undesired side effects.

[Character of refractive errors in population study performed by the Area Military Medical Commission in Lodz]. / Charakterystyka wad refrakcji u osób badanych przez Terenowa Wojskowa Komisje Lekarska w Lodzi.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of refractive errors in population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of medical examinations for entry to the military service from The Area Military Medical Commission in Lodz. Ophthalmic examinations were performed. We used statistic analysis to review the results. RESULTS: Statistic analysis revealed that refractive errors occurred in 21.68% of the population. The most commen refractive error was myopia. CONCLUSIONS: 1) The most commen ocular diseases are refractive errors, especially myopia (21.68% in total). 2) Refractive surgery and contact lenses should be allowed as the possible correction of refractive errors for military service.