Background/Objectives: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye syndrome (DES) are common eye diseases characterized by altered tear film stability and inflammation of the ocular surface, causing significant discomfort and possible visual impairment. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of curcumin-loaded liposomes (Lipo@Cur) compared to cyclosporine A-loaded liposomes (Lipo@CycA) in experimental rabbit models of MGD and DES, with a focus on their ability to improve tear film stability and reduce ocular surface inflammation. Methods: MGD and DES were induced using complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) and treated to evaluate the effect of liposomal formulations on tear break-up time (TBUT), clinical signs of inflammation (telangiectasia, conjunctival hyperemia, meibomian foramen occlusion), and corneal as well as conjunctival histological cells. Results: Lipo@Cur increased TBUT and reduced the signs of ocular surface inflammation, potentially approaching the effectiveness of clinically approved cyclosporine A encapsulated in liposomes (Lipo@CycA). Histological analysis suggested improvements in corneal epithelial thickness and goblet cell density in the treated groups, which may indicate a reversal of DES-induced damage to the ocular surface. Conclusions: Plant-originated curcumin encapsulated in liposomes offers a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of MGD and DES that may improve patient outcomes by addressing the underlying inflammatory mechanisms of these conditions.

Introduction: Patients with Hepatitis C are commonly treated with combination of Pegylated Interferon alfa-2a and Ribavirin. Less than 1% of patients receiving this treatment experience very uncommon ophthalmological side effects such as optic neuropathy and vision disorder, which are usually subclinical, mild and reversible, not requiring the withdrawal of the treatment. Retinopathy is the most commonly reported ocular side effect of interferon use, usually presenting with cotton wool spots and retinal hemorrhages. Case Presentation: We represent a case of severe retinopathy and optic neuropathy in a patient with chronic hepatitis C genotype 3a infection, treated with the combination of PEG-IFN alfa-2a (180 mkg once weekly) and Ribavirin (1200 mg daily). Bilateral visual loss of both eyes developed at 11th week of therapy and changes in retina and optic nerve were observed. Fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography showed bilateral anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and macular edema. Visual acuity improved 1 month and fundoscopic changes were no longer present 6 months after the urgent permanent discontinuation of PEG-IFN treatment and the pulse steroid therapy followed by a 2 week course of oral prednisone. Discussion: In case of interferon-associated retinopathy discontinuation of the therapy and treatment with high dose steroids can be beneficial. The prognosis of interferon-associated opthalmological side effects remains uncertain: in some patients visual acuity improves, other continues with poor visual outcome. Considering that, all patients should undergo ophthalmologic examination before treatment with interferon and their ophthalmological status should be monitored regularly while receiving this therapy. Keywords: Hepatitis C, Chronic; Peginterferon alfa-2a; Optic Nerve Diseases; Pulse Therapy, Drug

Keratoconus is a progressive, non-inflammatory corneal ectasia characterized by stromal thinning and conical protrusion. Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) remains the only proven treatment to halt its progression. This review compares the mechanisms, efficacy, and safety of standard (Dresden), accelerated, and transepithelial (including iontophoretic) protocols, with particular emphasis on pediatric keratoconus. Studies from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were comprehensively reviewed. Standard CXL remains the gold standard due to its strong biomechanical effect and long-term stability. Accelerated protocols reduce treatment time while maintaining comparable outcomes in selected patients, though the stiffening effect may be shallower. Transepithelial and iontophoretic approaches improve comfort and reduce complications but show reduced efficacy. Future perspectives include oxygen supplementation, customized fluence modulation, and pharmacologic enhancers to improve riboflavin diffusion and oxygen availability.

Rožinė – tai lėtinė atsinaujinanti uždegiminė odos liga, pažeidžianti centrinę veido dalį. Viena iš keturių šios ligos formų yra akių rožinė, kuri gali pasireikšti izoliuotai arba kartu su bet kuria iš kitų klinikinių formų. Jos simptomai yra deginimas, svetimkūnio jausmas akyje, niežėjimas, fotofobija, paraudimas, neryškus matymas, teleangiektazijos vokų kraštuose, konjunktyvinė injekcija, padidėjęs ašarojimas, voko krašto sustorė­ jimas su nelygiu kontūru. Akių rožinės diagnozė galutinai patvirtinama, nustačius bent vieną diagnostinį kriterijų (centrofacialinę eritemą) arba du ir (arba) daugiau didžiųjų kriterijų (trumpalaikį centrofacialinį paraudimą, uždegiminę papulę ir pustules, teleangiektazijas). Kuo anksčiau nustatyta diagnozė ir greitai pradėtas gydymas gali sumažinti komplikacijų riziką ir veiksmingai palengvinti simptomus. Gydymas turėtų susidėti iš vietinio bei sisteminio gydymo derinio. Vietinis gydymas yra skirtas mažinti akių sausumą, Meibomo liaukų disfunkciją ir uždegimą; tai apima dirbtines ašaras, kompresus, steroidų bei antibiotikų lašus (dažniausiai skiriami ciklosporinų klasės vaistai). Sisteminė terapija susideda iš geriamųjų antibiotikų, doksiciklinas yra pirmojo pasirinkimo sisteminis tetraciklinas. Šiuo metu daugėja tyrimų, įrodančių teigiamą intervencijų poveikį akių rožinės gydyme, iš jų dažniausiai naudojamos yra IPL lazeris, intraduktalinis Meibomo liaukų zondavimas ir terminė pulsacija.

Background: Keratoconus is a progressive corneal condition that leads to visual impairment and is primarily managed with corneal cross-linking (CXL), a procedure designed to halt its progression. However, while the clinical outcomes of CXL are well-documented, its impact on patient well-being, including postoperative pain and recovery, remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate postoperative pain, functional limitations, visual recovery, and patient-reported outcomes following corneal cross-linking (CXL) for keratoconus. Methods: A structured survey was conducted among 31 patients who underwent CXL for keratoconus. The survey assessed postoperative pain using a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and collected information on visual recovery, functional limitations, and the socioeconomic effects of the procedure. Clinical data, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and keratometry, were also recorded before and after CXL to evaluate the procedure’s efficacy. Results: The study found that postoperative pain was moderate, with a mean pain score of 6.06 ± 1.82, typically lasting 1–3 days. Nearly 54.8% of patients reported significant disruption to daily activities, including missing work or studies, and 77.4% experienced some degree of functional limitation. A statistically significant correlation was observed between postoperative pain intensity and quality-of-life impairment (Spearman’s ρ = 0.503, p = 0.004). Despite these challenges, 93.5% of participants reported improvement in vision, with most recovering within a week. Objective clinical data supported the effectiveness of the procedure. Conclusions: Corneal cross-linking is associated with favorable clinical outcomes; however, the early postoperative period is characterized by moderate pain and functional limitations, highlighting the importance of patient-centered care.