What is pseudoexfoliation syndrome?

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Pseudoexfoliation syndrome occurs when a flaky, dandruff-like material peels off the outer layer of the lens of the eye. The material collects in the angle between the cornea and the iris and can clog the drainage system of the eye. This clogging can cause a build-up of eye pressure and may lead to a type of glaucoma called pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. Long recognized as common in those of Scandinavian descent, pseudoexfoliation syndrome is now seen more frequently in people of other ethnicities as well such as Mongolians, South African blacks and Mediterranean peoples. Treatment for this syndrome includes medications, laser therapy and filtering surgery.

Posted on March 10, 2009 8:48 AM

Comments (1)

How often have you seen this exfoliation glaucoma in the general public or reports re:actual numbers of cases?.

How does laser therapy work with this type?

Will cataract surgery stop the progression of pseudoexfoliation syndrome.?

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Answer from the Glaucoma Research Foundation:

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) occurs when a flaky, dandruff-like material peels off the outer layer of the lens within the eye. The material collects in the angle between the cornea and iris and can clog the drainage system of the eye. This clogging can cause a build-up of eye pressure and may lead to a type of glaucoma called pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. Long recognized as common in those of Scandinavian descent, PEX is now seen more frequently in people of other ethnicities as well such as Mongolians, South African blacks and Mediterranean peoples.

Caucasians over 60 years old in the United States have an incidence of PEX around 1.6%-3% and African-Americans are approximately 0.4%

Treatment for this syndrome includes medications, laser therapy, and filtering surgery.

Cataract Surgery will not stop the progression of PEX. The lens can actually become displaced after cataract surgery in people with PEX if the support structure for the lens is weak.

Posted by Karen Montieth | April 13, 2009 3:53 PM