Pseudoexfoliation syndrome and episcleral venous pressure

Abstract

Introduction. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is a relatively widespread generalized age-related disease, in which abnormal fibrillar extracellular material is produced and accumulates in many tissues including vessels. Glaucoma occurs more commonly in eyes with PEX than in those without it. Episcleral venous pressure (EVP) is an important determinant of intraocular pressure (IOP). It seems reasonable to evaluate episcleral venous pressure in patients with PEX. Purpose. To evaluate episcleral venous pressure in patients with PEX. Methods. 540 eyes of 270 patients were enrolled in the prospective study. We evaluated episcleral venous pressure. Results. EVP in total vein compression in lower-nasal quadrant (mmHg) in main group(with PEX) was 14.0±3.29, in control group No. 1 (non PEX, adults) - 14.38±3.77, in control group No. 2 (non PEX, young) - 10.91±2.34. EVP in total vein compression in lower-temporal quadrant (mmHg) in main group was 15.1±3.31, in control group No. 1 - 15.76±3.45, in control group No. 2 - 11.00±2.16. Difference in episcleral venous pressure between main group and age-matched control group No. 1 was not significant, and between main group and control group No. 2 was significant. Conclusion. EVP level is not influenced by PEX, but is influenced by age.