Topographic Analysis Of Anterior Segment Parameters In Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a general pathology of unknown etiopathogeny.

It corresponds to a deposition of aberrant extracellular matrix on the anterior lens capsule.

The aim of our study is to analyze the parameters of the anterior segment in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and to compare them to a control group.

This is a cross-sectional, monocentric and comparative study, carried out in the ophthalmology department of the Hassan II University Hospital in Fez, comparing two homogeneous groups:

- Group 1: patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome without ophthalmologic complications (n=112)

- Group 2: control group (n=112)

Each patient in the control group was the same age, sex and was examined on the same day and by the same physician as their group 1 counterpart.

Patients in the control group consulted on the same day for a refractive error or senile cataract. They had no history of eye surgery or corneal abnormalities. The diagnosis of the syndrome was based on the typical slit lamp appearance of pseudo-exfoliating material at the anterior capsule of the lens and/or at the pupillary edge. The parameters of the anterior segment were analysed using data provided by Scheimpflug topography (PENTACAM®). Statistical analysis was performed with the Χ2 test. A p<0.05 was considered a statistically significant difference. 

The central corneal thickness is 519 ± 21 μm for group 1 and 559 ± 7 μm for group 2. The minimum corneal thickness is 532 ± 20 μm for group 1 and 557 ± 13 μm for group 2. The corneal thickness at the pupillary center is 520 ± 11 μm for group 1 and 540 ± 17 μm for group 2, so the pachymetry is overall thinner in group 1 with a statistically significant difference.
On the other hand, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups concerning the other parameters studied: maximum and mean keratometry, anterior chamber and corneal volumes, anterior chamber depth (mm) and the degree of opening of the iridocorneal angle.

Pseudoexfoliative syndrome is an age-related disorder characterized by the production and accumulation of abnormal pseudoexfoliative fibrillar material in various ocular tissues.
It affects approximately 0.2 to 30% of people over 60 years old. 
It is most often manifested by pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, cataract and zonular instability.
Corneal pachymetry in patients with pseudoexfoliative syndrome appears to be thinner than that found in normal patients regardless of the presence of glaucoma
In the eyes of patients with pseudoexfoliative syndrome, we must be more careful in the evaluation of intraocular pressure and in all refractive surgical procedures.