Abstract
Purpose :
Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXF) is marked by abnormal protein deposits in the eyes and other tissues, elevating the risk of various ocular and systemic complications, including glaucoma, cataracts, and heart disease. PXF is more commonly observed in elderly populations, especially among individuals with Scandinavian and Northern European ancestry. This is the first retrospective chart review studying the ocular manifestations of PXF in a predominantly minority population in the Bronx, a region known for its racial diversity and socioeconomic disparities.
Methods :
Patients diagnosed with PXF from 2016 to 2022 were identified in our health system. Comprehensive demographic information and ocular and systemic medical histories were recorded. Ocular Coherence Tomography and Humphrey Visual Field reports were reviewed to determine each patient’s glaucoma stage, with the final stage classification based on the severity of the worse eye.
Results :
271 patients were included in the study with mean age 80.4 ± 9.4 years. 39.5% were male and 60.5% female. 32.1% of patients were White, 22.9% Black, 1.1% Asian, 0.7% American Indian, and 43.2% identified as other or declined to respond. 33.6% identified as Hispanic/Latinx. The prevalence of glaucoma among patients was 49.8%, with classifications of mild (8.5%), moderate (11.8%), severe (9.2%), and indeterminate (20.3%). Another 17.7% were glaucoma suspects. Cataracts were identified in 96.7% of patients, and cataract surgery was performed in at least one eye in 64.9% of these patients. At the time of cataract surgery, 33.6% of patients required at least one additional non-routine support measure, including the use of iris hooks (6.3%), Malyugian rings (17.3%), capsular tension rings (14.4%), and/or anterior vitrectomy (3.7%).
Conclusions :
Though PXF is traditionally associated with patients of Scandinavian and Northern European descent, it can present within any race, as demonstrated by our study in a racially diverse population in the Bronx. The findings indicate high rates of PXF-related ocular manifestations, particularly glaucoma and cataracts. These findings underscore the critical need for PXF screening and awareness in diverse communities to prevent severe visual complications and advocate for a more inclusive epidemiological perspective in PXF research to benefit patients of all races and ethnicities.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.