The epidemiology of the pseudo-exfoliation syndrome

The pseudo-exfoliation syndrome is characterized by the deposition of light gray or white dandruff-like flakes on various intraocular structures, most clinically apparent on the anterior lens capsule and pupillary margin but more significantly on the trabecular meshwork and ciliary processes. Its prevalence in various populations and relationship to age, sex, geography, heredity, and particularly to glaucoma have been the subject of numerous studies. Its prevalence is generally variable (depending on the subject population) and ranges from 1 to 8 percent, increasing with age. It is positively associated with higher levels of intraocular pressure and open-angle glaucoma. Although further carefully-controlled studies of prevalence and their relationship with glaucoma are desirable, patients with evidence of pseudo-exfoliation should be treated as glaucoma suspects.