Purpose: To determine prevalence and clinical characteristics of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PES) in central Iran in a population-based survey.
Methods: A random sample of people aged 50 years or older from Falavarjan county, central Iran, was examined for signs of PES.
Results: Eight hundred-six eyes belonging to 405 cases (210 women and 195 men) were examined. Seventy-seven eyes (9.6%; 95% C.I. = 7.6%-11.6%) of 53 cases (13.1%; 95% C.I. = 9.8%-16.4%) showed pseudoexfoliative deposits. Anterior lens capsule was the most common site for deposition of pseudoexfoliative deposits. Several pigmentary signs were significantly associated with presence of PES (p < 0.001 for all signs). Ten out of 77 eyes (13%) with PES demonstrated increased intraocular pressure or glaucoma.
Conclusion: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a frequent finding in the elderly in central Iran. Most cases can be diagnosed by a careful examination of the anterior lens capsule after pupillary dilation. Glaucoma or ocular hypertension is not common in people with PES in central Iran.