Exfoliation syndrome

Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2001 Apr;12(2):124-30. doi: 10.1097/00055735-200104000-00008.

Abstract

Exfoliation syndrome (XFS) is an age-related disorder of the extracellular matrix characterized by production and progressive accumulation of small, white deposits of a fibrillar extracellular material in many ocular tissues, most commonly seen on the pupillary border and anterior lens capsule. Characteristic signs of pigment liberation and deposition throughout the anterior segment aid in the diagnosis. Exfoliation syndrome predisposes to both open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma, and to capsular rupture, zonular dehiscence, and vitreous loss during cataract extraction. Exfoliation syndrome is associated with ocular and perhaps systemic ischemia. The exact chemical composition of exfoliation material remains unknown. Medical, laser, and surgical therapy are similar to treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / administration & dosage
  • Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Exfoliation Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Exfoliation Syndrome* / etiology
  • Exfoliation Syndrome* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure / drug effects
  • Intraocular Pressure / physiology
  • Laser Therapy
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Trabecular Meshwork / surgery

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
  • Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists
  • Ophthalmic Solutions