BackgroundAge-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/MethodsSerum 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.ResultsmiRNA 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.ConclusionsDifferences 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.

Purpose. To evaluate the long-term results of accelerated corneal cross-linking (CXL) in patients with progressive keratoconus. Methods. Sixteen patients underwent accelerated CXL at 6 mW/cm2 for 15 minutes in one eye. The follow-up visits were scheduled on 7 days, 14 days, and 3, 12, and 24 months after the treatment. Results. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between preoperative and 2-year postoperative mean values, respectively, in terms of uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, maximum keratometry K max⁡, minimum keratometry K min⁡, corneal astigmatism, and corneal eccentricity index. We noted a significant flattening of the cornea in 18.7% of patients with a higher preoperative K max⁡ value (>50 D) and its steepening in patients with a lower K max⁡ value (<50 D) (6.25%). There was no significant difference in the central corneal thickness and the apical corneal thickness preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. The mean demarcation line depth was 282 ± 11 μm. Persistent corneal haze was noted in 25% of patients. Conclusions. Accelerated CXL appears to be a relatively effective procedure for the treatment of keratoconus in 2-year follow-up.

IntroductionSystemic 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 methodsOverall 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.ResultsOphthalmological 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).ConclusionsIn 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.

ABSTRACT.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.

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