Pseudoexfoliation syndrome : prevalence and its association with some parameters

الملخص EN

Objective: Pseudoexfoliation (PXF) is a recognized risk factor for developing cataract, glaucoma and lens dislocation.

PXF is also associated with increased risk of complications during cataract surgery due to poor mydriasis and zonular weakness.

The aim of this study is to report the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation among Syrians attending the ophthalmology clinic of Aleppo University Hospital.

Methods: A prospective study conducted in the period from September 2014 to June 2015.

A total of 500 patients aged 40 years or older attending the general ophthalmic clinic of Aleppo University Hospital in separated days were included in this study and examined by the same ophthalmologist.

A detailed evaluation including ophthalmic and general history, slit lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, gonioscopy and dilated eye examination were performed.

Patients with pseudoexfoliative material on the anterior lens surface and ⁄ or the pupillary margin in either or both eyes were labeled as having PXF.

Results: Out of the 500 patients included, eight (1.6%) patients had PXF.

Out of 870 eyes included, ten (1.14%) eyes had PXF.

The age-adjusted prevalence of PXF in those ≥40 years was 0.97% (95% CI: 0.28-1.67) when calculated using the Syrian population as a standard, and 1.34% (95% CI: 0.38-2.30) when calculated using the WHO world population as a standard.

Mean age of PXF group was 71.50 years (SD 7.91, range 58- 83 years).

PXF was bilateral in 25% of cases.

It was significantly associated with cataract, glaucoma and hearing loss.

Of the PXF patients, 87.5% had cataract, 37.5% had glaucoma and 37.5% had hearing loss.

Conclusions: Pseudoexfoliation appears to be an important disorder in older individuals in Syria because it is associated with increased risk for developing glaucoma, cataract and hearing loss.