Anna Bryl

Background: Obesity has become a major global public health challenge, affecting individuals across all age groups and contributing to a wide range of systemic disorders. Beyond its well-established associations with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, obesity is increasingly recognized as a chronic inflammatory condition that influences the structure and function of multiple organs, including the eye. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted between November 2025 and June 2026 using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Priority was given to recent studies evaluating the impact of obesity and obesity-related metabolic disturbances on ocular health. Results: Available evidence indicates that obesity is associated with an increased risk of several ophthalmic conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal vein occlusion. Multiple anthropometric measures of adiposity have been positively associated with diabetic retinopathy risk. Although findings regarding glaucoma remain heterogeneous, metabolic syndrome and its components, particularly impaired glucose metabolism, appear to increase glaucoma susceptibility. Obesity has also been linked to dry eye disease through inflammatory and tear film alterations. Conclusions: Obesity exerts significant effects on ocular health through complex metabolic, inflammatory, and vascular pathways. Recognition of obesity as a modifiable risk factor for eye disease may facilitate earlier detection, targeted prevention strategies, and improved multidisciplinary management. Further longitudinal and mechanistic studies are needed to clarify causal relationships and determine whether effective obesity treatment can reduce the burden of vision-threatening ocular disorders.

Background: The increasing prevalence of high-fat diets is associated with a rise in metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. The retina and retinal pigment epithelium are metabolically active tissues exposed to oxidative stress, making them particularly vulnerable to lipid excess. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted covering years until 2025 inclusive. Results: High-fat diets lead to cholesterol accumulation and lipid metabolism disturbances in the retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and ocular vessels. They activate inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, resulting in structural and functional damage. Omega-3 deficiency exacerbates inflammation, while supplementation improves the tear film stability, corneal epithelial function, intraocular pressure regulation, and exerts neuroprotective effects. Conclusions: High-fat diets represent a significant risk factor for ocular diseases by disrupting lipid metabolism, enhancing inflammation, and inducing oxidative stress. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation reduces inflammation and supports ocular functions.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS)—a cluster of conditions including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance—is increasingly recognized as a key risk factor for the development of various eye diseases. The metabolic dysfunctions associated with this syndrome contribute to vascular and neurodegenerative damage within the eye, influencing disease onset and progression. Understanding these links highlights the importance of early diagnosis and management of metabolic syndrome to prevent vision loss and improve ocular health outcomes. This review explores the intricate interplay between metabolic syndrome, chronic low-grade inflammation, and eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and dry eye syndrome. It highlights how inflammatory mediators, oxidative damage, and metabolic dysregulation converge to compromise ocular structures, including the retina, optic nerve, and ocular surface. We discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning these associations and examine evidence from clinical and experimental studies. Given the rising global prevalence of metabolic syndrome, addressing this connection is crucial for improving overall patient outcomes and quality of life. Future research should focus on delineating the precise mechanisms linking these diseases as well as exploring targeted interventions that address both metabolic and ocular health.

Background: Myopia (also known as nearsightedness), a prevalent refractive error, occurs when parallel rays of light converge in front of the retina, resulting in blurry distance vision. Recently, there has been a marked rise in myopia among the global population. The absence of effective methods of controlling the progression of this visual defect prompts the search for new preventive and therapeutic options. The impact of diet and lifestyle on the progression of myopia is still not fully understood. Therefore, our aim was to examine how these factors might affect the advancement of myopia, based on the existing literature. Methods: This manuscript was prepared through an extensive literature review conducted from June 2022 to September 2024. We searched for pertinent research articles using reputable databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. We included all types of publications, with a special focus on the newest ones. Results: Despite far-reaching examination, the relationship between these factors and myopia control remains inconclusive with varying degrees of evidence supporting their roles. Conclusions: However, promoting a healthy lifestyle, particularly increasing physical activity and outdoor time, is essential. Additionally, emerging research suggests that maintaining a balanced diet is important due to the potential impact of certain nutrients on myopia development. Ophthalmologists should also guide parents on the alternative correction methods beyond single vision glasses, especially for rapidly progressing cases. With the rising prevalence of myopia in children, further research is necessary.

Thrombosis of retinal veins is one of the most common retinal vascular diseases that may lead to vascular blindness. The latest epidemiological data leave no illusions that the burden on the healthcare system, as impacted by patients with this diagnosis, will increase worldwide. This obliges scientists to search for new therapeutic and diagnostic options. In the 21st century, there has been tremendous progress in retinal imaging techniques, which has facilitated a better understanding of the mechanisms related to the development of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and its complications, and consequently has enabled the introduction of new treatment methods. Moreover, artificial intelligence (AI) is likely to assist in selecting the best treatment option for patients in the near future. The aim of this comprehensive review is to re-evaluate the old but still relevant data on the RVO and confront them with new studies. The paper will provide a detailed overview of diagnosis, current treatment, prevention, and future therapeutic possibilities regarding RVO, as well as clarifying the mechanism of macular edema in this disease entity.

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common retinal disorder. In comparison to diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration, RVO is usually an unexpected event that carries a greater psychological impact. There is strong evidence to suggest that cardiovascular diseases are the most common risk factors in this pathology and it has long been known that a higher consumption of fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables has a protective effect against these types of conditions. In the last several years, interest in plant-based diets has grown in both the general population and in the scientific community, to the point to which it has become one of the main dietary patterns adopted in Western countries. The aim of this review is to investigate the potential impact of macro- and micronutrients on retinal vein occlusion.

The Mediterranean diet is recognized as one of the healthiest available dietary patterns. This perception results from its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and, also, on hypertension, diabetes, and cancer compared with other diets. Its impact on the course of diabetes is assessed in the available scientific literature; however, little information is available about its impact on diabetic retinopathy. The MD is characterized mainly by the consumption of fish, seafood, foods of plant origin, and fresh fruit and vegetables. It is also recommended to consume legumes, which are a source of folic acid, magnesium, iron, and dietary fiber. High consumption of nuts and unrefined grains is also recommended in the MD. Marine fish provide polyunsaturated acids from the omega-3 group. Olive oil plays a very important role, especially olive oil obtained from mechanical pressing. Additionally, olive oil contains vitamins E, K, and polyphenols. Polyphenols, which are present in a diverse range of vegetables, fruits, and seeds, have the ability to decrease oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Resveratrol is naturally found in grape skins and seeds, as well as in peanuts and berries, and is a constituent of red wine. Resveratrol can inhibit increased vascular leakage and loss of pericytes and regulate the level of VEGF protein in the retina, thus inhibiting the development of DR. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, and olive oil may be correlated with a lower risk of diabetic retinopathy. This paper presents the definition of the Mediterranean diet and its influence on the course of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy.

Cataracts remain the first or second leading cause of blindness in all world regions. In the diabetic population, cataracts not only have a 3–5 times higher incidence than in the healthy population but also affect people at a younger age. In patients with type 1 diabetes, cataracts occur on average 20 years earlier than in the non-diabetic population. In addition, the risk of developing cataracts increases with the duration of diabetes and poor metabolic control. A better understanding of the mechanisms leading to the formation of diabetic cataracts enables more effective treatment and a holistic approach to the patient.

The aim of this study was to analyse the changes in refraction, depending on the length of the eyeball, in patients who had undergone cataract surgery using the phacoemulsification method and to assess the stability of refraction. A total of 90 patients (46 to 85 years of age) took part in the study and were divided into three groups: emmetropic, hypermetropic, and myopic. Two types of intraocular lenses were used: Bausch (Akreos AO) and Rayner (C-flex). In conclusion, stabilization of refraction was achieved in the third week in 91% of the emmetropic, 77% of the myopic, and 46% of the hypermetropic patients, respectively. The correct postoperative refraction was achieved using optical biometry and the Barrett Universal II formula to calculate the power of the lens implant.

Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trans-trihydroxystilbene) is a polyphenolic phytoalexin belonging to the stilbene family. It is commonly found in grape skins and seeds, as well as other plant-based foods. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a key role in the initiation and progression of age-related eye disorders (glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration) that lead to a progressive loss of vision and blindness. Even though the way resveratrol affects the human body and the course of many diseases is still the subject of ongoing scientific research, it has been shown that the broad spectrum of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of resveratrol has a beneficial effect on eye tissues. In our research, we decided to analyze the current scientific literature on resveratrol, its possible mechanisms of action, and its therapeutic application in order to assess its effectiveness in eye diseases.