Aim: The aim of the study was to demonstrate the prevalence and risk factors of dry eye symptoms (DES) among university students in Poland. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study survey was conducted among 312 Polish university students. The questionnaire consisted of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), the 5-Item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5) and questions regarding medical history and risk factors. Results: According to the OSDI, more than half of respondents (57.1%) have symptoms of ocular surface disease. Time spent using electronic devices is correlated with scores gathered in both OSDI and DEQ-5 (p < 0.001). There is a statistically significant dependence between psychotropics (p = 0.002), glucocorticosteroids usage (p = 0.026), the presence of depression (p < 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.01) or allergy (p = 0.008) and dry eye symptoms proved in both questionnaires. Respondents with refractive errors and those living in metropolitan areas have a statistically higher symptom intensity(p < 0.022). Stress felt by students is associated with higher DES risk. No correlation between DES and smoking habits was observed. The history of SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with the severity of DES (p = 0.036). Conclusion: Pathogenesis of DES is multifactorial and its severity depends on several factors, both genetic and environmental. Its prevalence among the young population is underestimated. Determining risk factors will enable the implementation of appropriate prophylaxis and early diagnosis.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease causing damage to the macular region of the retina where most of the photoreceptors responsible for central visual acuity are located. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules that negatively regulate genes by silent post-transcriptional gene expressions. Previous studies have shown that changes in specific miRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of eye diseases, including AMD. Altered expressions of miRNAs are related to disturbances of regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, apoptosis and phagocytosis, which are known factors in the pathogenesis of AMD. Moreover, dysregulation of miRNA is involved in drusen formation. Thus, miRNAs may be used as potential molecular biomarkers for the disease and, furthermore, tailoring therapeutics to particular disturbances in miRNAs may, in the future, offer hope to prevent irreversible vision loss. In this review, we clarify the current state of knowledge about the influence of miRNA on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of AMD. Our study material consisted of publications, which were found in PubMed, Google Scholar and Embase databases using “Age-related macular degeneration”, “miRNA”, “AMD biomarkers”, “miRNA therapeutics” and “AMD pathogenesis” as keywords. Paper search was limited to articles published from 2011 to date. In the section “Retinal, circulating and vitreous body miRNAs found in human studies”, we limited the search to studies with patients published in 2016–2021.

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Introduction Glaucoma is a group of optic neuropathies characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and visual field loss. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. The World Health Organization classifies it as a social and civilization disease and emphasizes the need to improve ophthalmic care systems in order to meet the constantly growing challenge for public health, which is glaucoma. The aim of this article is to identify the main problems that affect the health care system of patients with glaucoma in Poland. Review methods The review of literature on glaucoma was performed using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The latest available epidemiological data and the current legal acts concerning the health care system of patients with glaucoma in Poland were also analyzed. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge The incidence of glaucoma in Poland is constantly increasing, due to the aging of the population. The insidious course of the disease, low public awareness and difficulties in access effective ophthalmic services mean that the disease is diagnosed too late, when significant damage to the optic nerve has already occurred. In addition, the poor mental health of patients, treatment difficulties related to the frequent comorbidity of general diseases and the use of other drug therapies, complicate the course of glaucoma and make it difficult to inhibit its progression. Summary Glaucoma is a significant challenge for public health and the healthcare system in Poland. Therefore, it is very important to take systemic measures as soon as possible that contribute to improve public awareness of eye diseases, increase the availability of ophthalmic care, early detection and appropriate monitoring of the course of glaucoma.

Introduction and purpose Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a widely prevalent condition which affects mainly children. The disease is not as severe as other allergic disorders; however, its symptoms significantly impact the patient's quality of life. The therapeutic options have limited effectiveness and they are burdened with numerous side effects. In addition, AR’s underlying causes are not fully elucidated; thus, there is an urgent need to conduct more large sample studies on this topic. State of knowledge In recent years, research concerning the role of vitamin deficiency in AR pathogenesis gathered pace. Some studies report that children with vitamin A, C and D deficiencies more often suffer from allergic diseases, especially AR and asthma. Furthermore, they are more likely to have severe infections and other disorders caused by immune imbalance. The crucial aspect of vitamins' role in AR is their significant ability to modulate the immune response, especially adaptive, by restoring Th1/Th2 balance. Recent publications reported that vitamin supplementation in AR patients results in an improved clinical course of the disease and restored immune balance. Moreover, vitamins added to the typical treatment improve its effects. Conclusions This review aims to summarize the state of knowledge about the role of vitamin A, C and D deficiency in the pathogenesis of AR. Moreover, we point out the values of education in the field of proper dietary habits among AR patients. In addition, the effects of vitamin supplementation in AR patients are also emphasized.

Introduction Young people find themselves in stressful situations more and more frequently. Mental health and access to professional psychical help is necessary. Unfortunately, the availability of the psychologist's offices, as well as knowledge about mental health, is very limited. Aim of the study We aimed to check factors that cause stress and the access to psychological help in Poland. Material and method In order to analyze the issue, an Internet survey was prepared and disseminated in  February and March 2022. Results Over 80% of respondents claimed that sometime in their life they needed psychological help, although the majority of them did not seek professional help. 41,1% of people who took part in the survey could get help from psychologists in their place of work or study, but over 83% of them did not seek help there. Everyday problems and situations in work, school or university were mentioned as the most stressful situations (63,7%). According to the respondents' opinion, problems with concentration and nervousness (80,6% and 76,6% respectively) due to stress have a negative influence on their health. 74,2% of young people consider themselves as not stress-resistant. The best option to deal with stress is to listen to music or to converse with their closest ones. Conclusion Everyone should have ensured good access to psychological help. There is a great demand for it, regardless of gender or age. Despite the need to see an expert, the majority of people do not ask for help.

Introduction. Haemophilia is a genetic haemorrhagic disorder that characterises with extensive and prolonged bleeding. In severe stages of the disease, joint haemorrhages may occur and eventually result in joint degeneration and haemophilic arthropathy. Aim of the study. Summary and evaluation of diagnostic and treatment methods of skeletal problems in patients with haemophilia. Review of patients’ knowledge about the disease. Material and methods. Review of the newest medical journal literature published on PubMed database. Results. Ultrasonography is a non-invasive imaging method used to diagnose acute hemarthrosis and early stages of joint damage. Magnetic resonance is a standard tool in evaluation and scoring of haemophilic arthropathy. X-rays and computed tomography can also be additionally used, but are ineffective in imaging soft tissue and cartilage. Substitution of clotting factors is a standard treatment in haemophilia which reduces the frequency of bleeding. Arthrocentesis, synovectomy for example radiosynovectomy are effective in case of joint disorders. Intra-joint injections of hyaluronic acid are also effective. In advanced stages of haemophilic arthropathy joint replacement is recommended. Majority of patients with haemophilia claim that they are sufficiently educated about their disease. Conclusion. Haemophilic arthropathy is a severe joint destructing condition that causes limited mobility, chronic pain and a reduced quality of life. Its early diagnosis and proper treatment is necessary to avoid total destruction of the affected joint. Multidisciplinary care of the patient is an approach of great importance. Education of patients about their disease and up-to-date treatment methods is necessary.