Introduction and objective:
Trace elements, such as zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium are all components of metalloenzymes. Specific enzymes and their metal connections with antioxidant activity are detailed. Oxidative stress, which results in diseases and visual impairments, is partly caused by deficiencies in the trace elements mentioned above. The objective of this study was to experimentally determine whether there is a difference in chemical composition between the so-called Miraculous Springs and other groundwater sources. Different chemical characteristics and the resulting medical properties could suggest that the Miraculous Springs indeed have spectacular (miraculous) healing effects on the eyes.

Material and methods:
Eight groundwater springs were examined—four identified as ‘miraculous’ and four as ‘control group’. In each water sample, the listed metals were analyzed using the ICP-OES method. The examined springs are located across the entire Subcarpathian Province, including the Bieszczady Mountains.

Results:
Based on instrumental analysis, statistical testing, daily human dietary requirements, and the concentrations of the trace elements of interest in the spring waters, it was demonstrated that the chemical composition—and thus the medical properties—of the waters from the Miraculous Springs do not differ from those of other groundwater sources.

Conclusions:
The absence of differences between the ‘miraculous’ and ‘control group’ waters, as well as the consistently low concentrations of the analyzed metals in all water samples, excludes the former from being classified as therapeutic. It can be concluded that from the perspective of physics, chemistry, or medicine, the Miraculous Springs do not possess healing (miraculous) properties for eye therapy—unless such effects are based on the strong religious beliefs of pilgrims (legendary miracles).