Current concepts in the pathogenesis and management of exfoliation syndrome and exfoliative glaucoma

Exfoliative glaucoma is a common, sight-threatening disease that develops as a consequence of exfoliation syndrome. There are important differences in the clinical appearance, course, and prognosis of exfoliative glaucoma versus primary open-angle glaucoma. At the clinical, biochemical, and cellular levels, exfoliative glaucoma is a distinct entity, with an intriguing mechanism of development and numerous systemic manifestations that require further elucidation. The subtlety of clinical signs results in the diagnosis of exfoliative glaucoma often being overlooked and resulting in less-than-ideal management. We provide an overview of recent studies investigating the medical, laser, and surgical therapy of exfoliative glaucoma, with a focus on innovative approaches that may slow the progression of, or even prevent, the development of exfoliation syndrome and exfoliative glaucoma.