Exploring association between pseudoexfoliation syndrome and ocular aging

Within a population-based follow-up study, to examine the 10-year incidence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX), possible risk factors for PEX and its association with ocular aging of the cornea, lens and retina.

The baseline examination was conducted in 2006 on a random sample of 1,033 adult participants from Kaunas city (Lithuania) population of whom 631 had ophthalmic examination data at attendance of the 10-year follow-up in 2016. Detailed examination of the anterior and posterior segment of the eye was carried out. After diagnostic mydriasis PEX was diagnosed by the presence of typical grayish-white exfoliation material on the anterior capsule surface of the lens. The participants were divided to PEX and non-PEX groups.

PEX prevalence increased from 9.8 to 34.2% from baseline to 10-year follow-up. Nuclear cataract was common both in the PEX group (66.7%) and in those without PEX (72.2%), but this difference did not reach statistically significantly increased risk of developing cataract in those with PEX (OR 1.2; p = 0.61). Central corneal thickness (CCT) was thinner in the PEX group (529 ± 34 μm) and in the oldest group (525 ± 36 μm) (p < 0.001). Compared to baseline, corneal curvature (CC) became flatter in both groups (7.6 ± 0.27 vs 7.7 ± 0.26 mm; p < 0.001) during the follow-up, but the difference did not reach significance between groups. Corneal astigmatism was most commonly with-the-rule in both groups (37 (50.0%) vs 148 (68.5%); p > 0.05). Age, sex and PEX had no influence on age-related macular degeneration distribution.

The prevalence of PEX increased significantly with age in our population, with those with PEX having thinner and flatter corneae, but no difference in cataract and age-related macular degeneration characteristics.