Histochemical and polarization optical investigation for glycosaminoglycans in exfoliation syndrome

The iris of patients with exfoliation syndrome and senile cataracts were studied with a polarization microscope as well as histochemically. Amorphous substance stained by pH 1.0 alcian blue was observed in exfoliation syndrome on the posterior surface of the iris. This layer was thicker in exfoliation syndrome than in senile cataracts. The major component of this layer was verified as chondroitin sulphate and the minor one as hyaluronic acid. Polarization microscopic study demonstrated the presence of more sulphated glycosaminoglycans in exfoliation syndrome than in senile cataracts. Abnormal metabolism of glycosaminoglycans is indicated in the iris of exfoliation syndrome.