Association of pseudoexfoliation syndrome with increased vascular risk.
OBJECTIVE
To examine vascular associations with pseudoexfoliation syndrome in view of the wide-spread elastosis now demonstrated in this disorder that affects many tissues, including vessel walls.


METHODS
The Blue Mountains Eye Study is a population-based study of eye disease in an area west of Sydney, Australia. Of 4433 eligible persons aged 49 years or older, 3,654 (82.4%) participated. Signs of pseudoexfoliation were graded clinically, after excluding 108 people who had bilateral cataract surgery.


RESULTS
Pseudoexfoliation was present in 81 (2.3%) of 3546 participants aged 49 years or older. The prevalence of pseudoexfoliation increased with age and was higher in women and in people with glaucoma. Pseudoexfoliation was statistically significantly associated with a history of angina or hypertension or a combined history of angina, acute myocardial infarction, or stroke.


CONCLUSIONS
Slit-lamp signs of pseudoexfoliation may identify individuals with an increased vascular risk.
Mitchell
P
P
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. paulmi@westmed.wh.su.edu.au
Wang
J J
JJ
Smith
W
W
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D017889:Exfoliation Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*