Clinical Characteristics of Korean Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report the clinical features and glaucoma-related problems of Koreans with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXFS). METHODS: In 63 eyes of 39 patients, features including anterior segment, anterior chamber angle, endothelial cell counts (ECC), central corneal thickness (CCT), depth of anterior chamber (ACD), prevalence of cataract and glaucoma, incidence of surgery, and operation-related complications were examined. RESULTS: Without mydriasis, pseudoexfoliative material (PXFM) was found at the pupil margin and on the anterior lens surface in 74% and 57% of 63 eyes, respectively. Depigmentation, membrane formation and loss of ruff at the pupil margin were found in 37%, 37%, and 35% of eyes, respectively. There were pupil changes only in 15 eyes (24%) without PXFM. Fifty-six eyes (89%) had cataracts. Twenty-eight out of 56 eyes (44%) underwent cataract surgery and intraocular pressure (IOP) increased subsequently in 18 of the eyes (64%). Forty-five out of 63 eyes (71%) had glaucoma. Eleven of 45 eyes (24%) underwent glaucoma surgery. In unilateral cases, eyes with PXFS had higher IOP, higher prevalence of glaucoma, and higher incidence of cataract surgery than eyes without PXFS (p=0.018, 0.011, and 0.042, respectively). ECC, CCT, and ACD were not different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Not only lens surface but also pupil margin should be examined carefully to diagnose PXFS. Because IOP frequently increases after cataract surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to prevent optic nerve damage.