PSEUDOEXFOLIATION GLAUCOMA

The fibrogranular material can be deposited in:

• the pupil, hindering its dilation over time
• the zonule, an anchoring area of the crystalline within the eye, causing poor stability
• the trabecular meshwork, the natural “drainage” of the eye where aqueous humour comes out, potentially causing an increase in intraocular pressure

When intraocular pressure increases in this context and the optic nerve is damaged we speak of pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. This type of glaucoma is very common in the north of Spain and in other parts of the world such as the Scandinavian countries, the north part of the United States and countries such as Oman.

Its origin has a genetic cause, and although there are other genes that may influence, it is associated to LOXL1 gene as well as to a major environmental factor. This type of glaucoma may affect just one eye, but over time it will usually affect the second one, thus causing a very different progression between both eyes.

Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma is more aggressive due to its fluctuations. We may have different peaks in blood pressure and these may go unnoticed in the regular measurements we perform at the practice, it is thus very important to, as well as measuring blood pressure, carry out structural and functional tests: tests of the optic nerve and campimetry. Both will be useful for the evolution and rate of progression (worsening) of this glaucoma.