Methods of preventing and retarding the progression of myopia

Myopia is an increasing problem worldwide. Its prevalence is predicted to over 4 billion of people in 2050, what would be almost 50% of the population. Therefore, authors have analyzed available literature in terms of treatment that may be able to prevent or slow the progression of myopia. There are risk factors such as genetic factors which nowadays could not be modified. However, there are other risk factor such as near work or protective factor such as time spent outdoor which could be modified. Moreover, therapeutic interventions seem to play more significant role. Among available methods it is mentioned: pharmacology including drops of atropine and pirenzepine, undercorrection, contact lenses, orthokeratology, bifocal or multifocal spectacles and soft multifocal contact lenses. Methods are described with their mechanism of action and efficacy

Analysis of changes in the morphology of erythrocytes – microscopic evaluation of peripheral blood smears

Microscopic assessment of peripheral blood smears belongs to the basic techniques of quantitative and qualitative analysis of leukocytes, erythrocytes and platelets. Modern hematology analyzers allow accurate and precise assessment of blood cells, flagging parameters that are beyond the limit of the norm. Despite advanced technologies, the automatic peripheral blood smear is devoid of detailed data on abnormalities in the shape of erythrocytes, the presence of inclusions and erythroblasts, which can only be obtained by manual evaluation of peripheral blood smears. The following work aims to highlight the role of manual evaluation of peripheral blood smears, with particular emphasis on the assessment of abnormalities in the morphology of erythrocytes, which despite the passage of time should still be routinely performed as a supplement to modern diagnostic tools

Nutrition of healthy infants

The daily energy requirement of infants depends on age, sex and body weight. Breastfeeding is the most appropriate way to feed babies in the first 6 months of their lives. According to WHO recommendations, one should aim for exclusive breast-feeding for the first 6 months of your child's life. After 6 months, the baby's diet should be extended, continuing breastfeeding. It is recommended to continue feeding with the mother's milk, according to the WHO, until the second year of life, and according to AAP up to 12 months, with the simultaneous introduction of supplementary foods. When, for various reasons, it is not possible to feed the infant with mother's milk, the products substituting for female milk are used. Infant formula is intended for children under 6 months of age and fully satisfies the nutritional needs of an infant. Complementary Feeding should be started between 17 and 26 weeks of age