Stefano Lupo

Objectives: Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a well-known risk factor for glaucoma. This study investigated the impact of two distinct types of physical activity—endurance (marathon running) and strength (weightlifting)—on IOP variations. Methods: Forty healthy male athletes (20 marathon runners, 20 weightlifters) aged 18–35 years were recruited and monitored over three months. IOP was measured using Goldmann and Icare IC200 tonometers before and after 1 h training sessions. Results: The results showed a significant increase in IOP after training among weightlifters (mean post-training IOP: 19.3 mmHg), in contrast to stable or slightly reduced values in marathon runners (mean post-training IOP: 15.1 mmHg). Conclusions: These findings suggest the need for regular ophthalmologic monitoring in strength athletes. Future studies should examine the long-term impact of sport-specific IOP fluctuations on ocular health and glaucoma risk.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of an oral formulation combining bromelain (250 mg) derived from Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. Jambs and diosmin mcgSMIN Plus (250 mg) on visual acuity and central retinal thickness (CRT) in patients undergoing anti-VEGF intravitreal maintenance therapy (IVT) for cystoid, center-involving diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: A total of forty patients with type 2 diabetes and center-involving DME, all receiving anti-VEGF maintenance therapy, were prospectively enrolled in a case-control study. Group A (20 eyes) was administered one tablet containing 250 mg of bromelain and 250 mg of diosmin mcgSMIN Plus twice daily for a period of two months. Group B (20 eyes) was monitored without drug administration until the next IVT. After two months and IVT administration, the groups were switched. At the end of the study, the collected data were divided into two groups. The treatment group included data from patients who received the dietary supplement, and the control group consisted of data from patients who were only observed during anti-VEGF therapy. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and CRT measurements were assessed at baseline, after two months, and after four months. Results: A statistically significant improvement in CRT was observed in the treatment group compared to the control group during follow-up (p < 0.05). However, the improvement in BCVA was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Orally administered combination of bromelain 250 mg and 250 mg diosmin mcgSMIN Plus has positive impact on central retinal thickness in patients treated for cystoid center-involving diabetic macular edema (DME) with anti-VEGF intravitreal maintenance therapy.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of orally administered combination of Bromelain 250 mg from Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. Jambs and 250 mg Diosmin mcgSMIN Plus on visual acuity and central macular thickness (CMT) in patients treated for cystoid center-involving diabetic macular edema (DME) with anti-VEGF intravitreal maintenance therapy (IVT). Methods: Forty patients with type 2 diabetes and center-involving DME, treated with a maintenance protocol based on anti-VEGF, were enrolled in this prospective case-control study. Group A (20 eyes) received one pill containing bromelain (250 mg) and diosmin mcgSMIN Plus (250 mg) twice a day for two months. Group B (20 eyes) was monitored without drug administration until the next IVT. After two months and IVT administration, the groups were switched. At the end of the study, the collected data were divided into two groups. The treatment group included data from patients who received the dietary supplement, the control group consisted of data from patients who were only observed during anti-VEGF therapy. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) measurements were assessed at baseline, after two months, and after four months. Results: A statistically significant improvement in CMT was observed in the treatment group compared to the control group during follow-up (p < 0.05). However, the improvement in BCVA was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Orally administered combination of Bromelain 250 mg and 250 mg Diosmin mcgSMIN Plus has positive impact on central macular thickness in patients treated for cystoid center-involving diabetic macular edema (DME) with anti-VEGF intravitreal maintenance therapy.

Objectives: Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a well-known risk factor for glaucoma and other optic neuropathies. This study investigated the impact of two distinct types of physical activity—endurance (marathon running) and strength (weightlifting)—on IOP variations. Methods: Forty healthy male athletes (20 marathon runners, 20 weightlifters) aged 18–35 years were recruited and monitored over three months. IOP was measured using Goldmann and Icare IC200 tonometers before and after 1-hour training sessions. Results: Results showed a significant increase in IOP after training among weightlifters (mean post-training IOP: 19.3 mmHg), in contrast to stable or slightly reduced values in marathon runners (mean post-training IOP: 15.1 mmHg). Conclusions: These findings suggest the need for regular ophthalmologic monitoring in strength athletes. Future studies should examine the long-term impact of sport-specific IOP fluctuations on ocular health and glaucoma risk.