A cross sectional study of clinical spectrum and management of glaucoma in Pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Abstract

Background: Pseudoexfoliation is the common identifiable cause of secondary glaucoma. It is noted to be more aggressive with a high mean progression rate leading to full field blindness within 10 years. Aim of study: The aim of this study is to assess the demographic aspects, magnitude, clinical spectrum and response to treatment of glaucoma in pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Materials and Methods: All patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome who attended Ophthalmology department, Trichy SRM hospital and research centre, Trichy were selected for this study. This is a cross sectional study done over a period from july2018 to September 2020 in patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All patients have undergone complete ocular examination includingvisual acuity, slit lamp examination, ophthalmoscopic examination, IOP measurement, gonioscopy, pachymetry and visual field examination and these patients were advised to followup at regular intervals. Observation and Results: In this study of 96 patients, males with age group of 61-70 years are commonly affected. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is unilateral on presentation but eventually becomes bilateral. The IOP is fluctuating and produce severe optic nerve damage. The course is aggressive and recalcitrant to treatment needs definitive surgical therapy. Conclusion: Pseudoexfoliation is an common identifiable cause of secondary glaucoma producing ocular morbidity. Due to its fluctuating IOP, aggressive course and difficulty in managing with medical treatment it stands as a distinct enigmatic clinical entity. Pseudoexfoliation needs early detection, regular follow up and definitive therapy.