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The relationship between glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation: the Blue Mountains Eye Study
P Mitchell1, J J Wang, F Hourihan
1Department of Ophthalmology, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Australia. paulmi@westmed.wh.su.edu.au
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|October 26, 1999
Summary
Pseudoexfoliation (PXF) significantly increases glaucoma risk in older adults, independent of intraocular pressure (IOP). This study highlights PXF as a key factor in developing glaucoma, even in the absence of other risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Pseudoexfoliation (PXF) is a condition that can affect the eye.
- Its association with glaucoma and ocular hypertension requires further quantification in diverse populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relationship between pseudoexfoliation (PXF) and open-angle glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and intraocular pressure (IOP).
- To assess these relationships in a defined population of older adults.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 3654 participants aged 49-97 years.
- Slitlamp examination for PXF, applanation tonometry for IOP, and diagnosis of glaucoma based on visual field loss and optic disc changes.
- General estimating equation models were employed to analyze associations.
Main Results:
- Pseudoexfoliation was found in 2.3% of subjects, with prevalence increasing with age.
- Eyes with PXF showed a significantly higher risk of glaucomatous damage (14.2% vs. 1.7%) and ocular hypertension (9.3% vs. 3.1%) compared to eyes without PXF.
- The association between PXF and glaucoma remained significant even after adjusting for other risk factors and IOP.
Conclusions:
- Pseudoexfoliation is strongly linked to an increased risk of glaucoma.
- The elevated risk of glaucoma in eyes with PXF is independent of other known risk factors, including intraocular pressure.
- PXF is a significant risk factor for glaucoma in older populations.