English

Abstract

PURPOSE: To study the prevalence and pattern of pseudo-exfoliation syndrome and its complications in lower to mid Himalayan region of Shimla Hills in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thousand consecutive individuals aged ≥40 years visiting outpatient department were subjected to detailed ocular examination for signs of pseudoexfoliation. Intraocular pressure was recorded and pupils were dilated to examine retroiridial anterior lens capsule. Detailed glaucoma work-up was carried out if intraocular pressure was ≥22 mm Hg. RESULTS:Ninety-three out of 1000 individuals examined were diagnosed with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. The prevalence was highest in males, and ≥80 years group, and was increasing with age. The mean age for occurrence in males and females was 65.1±9.2 and 62.3±8.98 years, respectively. Bilateral involvement was more common than unilateral (4.8:1). Pseudo-exfoliation material on anterior lens capsule, seen after dilatation of pupil, was noticed as the commonest sign (91.7% eyes) followed by material on pupillary border (84.7%). Glaucoma capsulare was observed as most common (18.8% eyes) complication followed by phacodonesis and rubeosisiridis. Incidence of unilateral glaucoma capsulare was more common than bilateral, and was statistically significant (X 2 =P, 0.05). A statistically significant relationship was established between the number of pseudo-exfoliation signs, reduction in angle width, and raised intra-ocular pressure (t=1.32, P<0.1). Incidence of cataract was more in patients with pseudo-exfoliation syndrome than without it. CONCLUSION: Pseudoexfoliation is more prevalent in Shimla hills than rest of India and some other parts of world, but lower than Scandinavian region. Prevalence of glaucoma and senile cataract is significantly higher in pseudoexfoliation.