Evaluation of tear secretion and tear film stability in pseudoexfoliation syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
In pseudoexfoliation syndrome, a material of unknown composition is deposited at the anterior structures of the eye and at periorbital tissues such as the conjunctiva, where goblet cells and accessory lacrimal glands are located. In this study, the possible effect of pseudoexfoliation on tear secretion and tear film stability was investigated.


METHODS
Tear film break-up time and Schirmer tests were performed on 108 eyes of 57 patients with pseudoexfoliation and 120 eyes of 60 normal subjects. Results were statistically analyzed.


RESULTS
Both Schirmer test and break-up time scores were significantly lower in the pseudoexfoliative patients (average values 10.13 mm and 6.91 sec, respectively) compared to the control group (average values 12.75 mm and 12.75 sec, respectively). The difference was more prominent in males.


CONCLUSIONS
The lower scores in Schirmer and break-up time tests in the pseudoexfoliation group could be attributed to conjunctival involvement. Pseudoexfoliative patients could be more prone to developing xerophthalmia, especially if they are treated with beta blockers.
Kozobolis
V P
VP
Department of Ophthalmology, Vardinoyannion Eye Institute of Crete, University of Crete, Greece. kozoboli@danae.med.uch.gr
Detorakis
E T
ET
Tsopakis
G M
GM
Pallikaris
I G
IG
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017889:Exfoliation Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013500:Surface Tension; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism*