Abstract
Purpose::
To examine the prevalence of PEX and its possible associations with lens opacification, optic disc size, central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure in a population based sample
Methods::
The participants were 1045 inhabitants of Reykjavik 50 years and older in the RES. For the diagnosis of definite PEX, dilated slit lamp examination had to reveal a partial or complete central shield on the anterior lens capsule and/or a peripheral band. Possible PEX was diagnosed if any of the following was detected: flakes on anterior segment structure, Krukenberg spindle, peripupillary trans-illumination, atrophy or precapsular haze/frosting on the central lens capsule. Glaucoma was diagnosed on the basis of structural optic nerve changes with or without field loss.
Results::
Definite PEX was found in either eye of 108 subjects or 10.7% (95% CI 8.8-12.6). Prevalence increased with age, and females were more frequently diagnosed in either eye, 12.3% versus 8.7% in males (p<0.001). Possible PEX in the either eye was found in further 15.3% (95% CI 12.9-17.6) of subjects. Prevalence of possible PEX also increased with age (p<0.05), being more common in females than males, 21.1% versus 11.2%, respectively (p<0.005). Glaucoma was present in 4% of right eyes with definite PEX, 3% of those with possible PEX, and 2% of those with no PEX. The mean IOP of right eyes with definite PEX was 16.1 mm Hg (95% CI 15.2-16.9), possible PEX 16.1 mm Hg (95% CI 15.6-16.7), and no obvious PEX 15.4 mm Hg (95% CI 15.2-15.7) (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between eyes with and without PEX in central corneal thickness, vertical disc diameter, mean disc area, and cup/disc ratio.
Conclusions::
Definite PEX was found in either eye of 11% of those examined. The prevalence increased significantly with age and females were more frequently affected than males. PEX was associated with higher IOP compared to eyes without slit lamp evidence of PEX. We did not find significant association between PEX and other variables examined.
Clinical Trial::
Icelandic Data Protection Commission
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: prevalence/incidence • aging