Secondary angle closure in association with pseudoexfoliation of the lens capsule

Two cases of pseudoexfoliation of the lens capsule are presented in which unilateral shallowing of the anterior chamber caused an acute rise in intraocular pressure. Both patients were elderly women. In one case anterior chamber shallowing was precipitated by administration of pilocarpine and the second followed central retinal vein occlusion. We suggest that pseudoexfoliation of the lens capsule weakened the zonule allowing forward shift to the lens and secondary angle closure.