Exfoliation Syndrome in Northern Nigeria

Glaucoma

Abstract

Introduction: Exfoliation syndrome (XFS) is an age related, generalized disorder of the extracellular matrix characterized by  production and progressive accumulation of a fibrillar material in tissues throughout the anterior segment and also in the connective  tissue portions of various visceral organs. It is the most common recognizable cause of Open angle glaucoma (OAG)  and Angle  closure glaucoma (ACG). Exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) is often associated with high IOP, greater visual field loss, wider IOP variations  and more pronounced optic nerve damage compared to Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Cataract surgery in XFS is associated  with increase in complications such as lens subluxation, zonular dialyses, posterior capsular rupture, vitreous loss, subluxated IOL,  uveitis, hemorrhage, formation of posterior synechiae and corneal endothelial decompensation. The aim of this study was to estimate  the frequency of exfoliation syndrome and its association with ocular diseases in Northern Nigeria  

Methods: Consecutive patients  who presented to the out-patient department of ECWA Eye Hospital Kano from February 2015 to May  2015 were included in the study. Each patient had a complete ophthalmic examination. The anterior segment examination included  tonometry, gonioscopy and detailed slit-lamp examination for presence or absence of exfoliation material, inflammatory cells and  other abnormal findings.  Patients with exfoliation material on the anterior lens surface and/or pupillary margin in either or both eyes  were considered to have exfoliation syndrome (XFS). Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0.