Pseudoexfoliation syndrome in various ethnic population of Nepal

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is an ocular condition characterized by a distinctive deposition of fibrillar material in the anterior segment of the eye. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is frequently associated with glaucoma. Though it is seen in all the population, prevalence varies considerably in different races. A hospital based study done in Nepal by our group showed that Gurung population is frequently affected by this disease than any others. To determine the fact a larger population based study was necessary. Thus a research was designed to survey the various populations in the community. Different population from Kathmandu valley, Kavrepalanchowk, Pokhara, and Ghandruk were evaluated in two different phases to include major ethnic population living in Nepal. Household surveys done to bring all the targeted population to base hospital and detail examination including anterior segment evaluation after dilatation of pupil, optic disc evaluation, intraocular pressure measurement, gonioscopy, visual field recording and photographic documentation was done. Total of4430 population surveyed while only 2135 fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. Gurungs irrespective of their place of residence showed higher prevalence of Pseudoexfoliation syndrome accounting for 7.8% in Kathmandu valley while 12.0% in Ghandruk. Tamangs were affected very rarely by this disease accounting only for 0.3%. Gurungs are at higher risk of developing Pseudoexfoliation syndrome than any others in Nepal.