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Corneal endothelial involvement in pseudoexfoliation syndrome
U M Schlötzer-Schrehardt1, S Dörfler, G O Naumann
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Pseudoexfoliation syndrome affects the cornea, with material forming on and within the posterior Descemet
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Science
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- Limited understanding of corneal manifestations in pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS).
- Previous studies primarily relied on specular microscopy for corneal assessment in PXS.
Observation:
- Investigated posterior corneal morphology in three patients with ocular PXS using transmission electron microscopy.
- Examined corneal buttons from patients with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy and an enucleated glaucomatous eye.
Findings:
- Pseudoexfoliation material observed adhering to the corneal endothelium and within Descemet's membrane.
- Endothelial cells showed degeneration, irregular morphology, and discontinuous layers.
- Degenerative endothelial cells produced pseudoexfoliation fibers, subsequently covered by spreading fibroblastic cells.
Implications:
- Suggests pseudoexfoliation material originates from degenerative endothelial cells in PXS.
- Corneal endothelial changes in PXS may increase risks associated with cataract surgery.
- Potential for potentiated complications in open-angle glaucoma patients with PXS.