The Prevalence of Glaucoma among Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a recognized risk factor for developing glaucoma, cataract and lens dislocation. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is also associated with increased risk of complications during cataract surgery due to poor mydriasis and zonular weakness. Objective: The aim is to find out the prevalence of glaucoma in Pseudoexfoliation syndrome patients attended to Shaheed Doctor Aso hospital, Sulaimaniya city, Kurdistan region of Iraq and Azadi Teaching Hospital, Kirkuk city Iraq. Patients and Methods: This cross sectional study encompassed 378 patients (756 eyes) with whom the pseudoexfoliation syndrome was detected as an incidental finding aged 50 years or older. A detailed evaluation including general and ophthalmic history, slit lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure measurement (TOPCON computerized tonometer CT-80 and Goldmann Applanation tonometer), gonioscopy (Goldmann three mirrors goniolens) and dilated eye examination were performed. Oral informed consent was obtained from all participants. Results: Out of the 378 patients who had pseudoexfoliation syndrome, 58 (15.3%) were diagnosed with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and 34 patients (9%) with ocular hypertension. In the glaucomatous patients, men to women ratio was 2:1, this was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Most of patients in the age group (70-79) years of age, represent 23.3%. Bilateral Pseudoexfoliation syndrome was associated more with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (58.6%), while unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome was associated more with ocular hypertension (64.7%). The Kurdish race patients expressed the highest prevalence of pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and ocular hypertension (31.5%) followed by the Arabic race (20%) and lastly the Turkmen (16%). Conclusion: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome showed to be a significant glaucoma risk factor locally, with a prevalence of (15.3%), and if we added the Ocular hypertension (9%), it will be (24.3%). Recommendation: Patients with Pseudoexfoliation syndrome should be informed and examined at least annually as the risk may be present throughout their life and increasing with age.