Risk Factors of Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Changes in Pseudoexfoliation (PEX) Syndrome

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We evaluated the short and long-term changes of intraocular pressure (IOP) and studied its risk factors in pseudoexfoliation (PEX). METHODS: A total of 40 eyes that had been newly diagnosed with PEX from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 2007 were included in this study. Age, gender and accompanying systemic disease were recorded. In addition, the age, gender, number of antiglaucoma eye drops, history of cataract operation, and history of systemic disease were evaluated as risk factors for IOP elevation during the follow-up periods. Pre and post cataract operation IOP was checked to evaluate the effect of the cataract operation on IOP. RESULTS: The risk factors for IOP elevation in patients newly diagnosed with PEX were old age and female gender. After treatment, a long follow-up period and number of eyedrops were risk factors for IOP elevation. The cataract operation had a one year IOP control effect, especially in cases where the pre operative IOP was greater than 21 mmHg. Over the long term, however, the IOP control effect of cataract surgery could not be determined. CONCLUSIONS: IOP increased as result of increased patient age. Phacoemulsification was a protective factor for IOP elevation and may be a good method for short-term IOP control.