Exploring association between pseudoexfoliation syndrome and ocular aging.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Gerontology
• Public Health

Background:

• Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is a condition associated with increased risk of ocular complications.
• Understanding the long-term incidence and risk factors of PEX is crucial for eye health management.
• Ocular aging processes may be influenced by or influence the development of PEX.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the 10-year incidence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) in a population-based cohort.
• To identify potential risk factors associated with PEX development.
• To investigate the relationship between PEX and ocular aging indicators in the cornea, lens, and retina.

Main Methods:

• A population-based follow-up study was conducted with 1,033 adults at baseline (2006) and 631 at 10-year follow-up (2016).
• Ophthalmic examinations included anterior and posterior eye segments, with PEX diagnosed by characteristic exfoliation material on the lens.
• Participants were categorized into PEX and non-PEX groups for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

• PEX prevalence rose from 9.8% to 34.2% over the 10-year study period.
• While nuclear cataract was prevalent in both groups, no statistically significant increased risk was found in the PEX group.
• Individuals with PEX showed thinner central corneal thickness (CCT) and flatter corneal curvature (CC) compared to the non-PEX group.

Conclusions:

• PEX prevalence significantly increases with age.
• PEX is associated with thinner and flatter corneas.
• No significant association was found between PEX and cataract or age-related macular degeneration characteristics.