From the Research
Pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome affects approximately 10-20% of adults over 60 years of age globally, though prevalence varies significantly by geographic region and ethnicity. The condition is more common in Scandinavian countries, where rates can reach 20-25% in this age group, while lower rates of 5-10% are typically seen in Western populations 1. PEX syndrome becomes increasingly prevalent with advancing age, with some studies showing rates exceeding 30% in those over 80 years. There are notable ethnic and geographic variations, with higher prevalence in individuals of Northern European descent and lower rates in African and Asian populations. The condition demonstrates a slight female predominance in most studies. PEX syndrome is characterized by the accumulation of whitish fibrillar material on ocular structures, particularly the lens capsule and pupillary margin, and represents a significant risk factor for glaucoma development, with approximately 30-40% of PEX patients eventually developing exfoliative glaucoma 2.
Some key points to consider:
- The prevalence of PEX syndrome varies by region and ethnicity
- The condition is more common in Scandinavian countries and less common in Western populations
- PEX syndrome becomes more prevalent with advancing age
- There are notable ethnic and geographic variations in the prevalence of PEX syndrome
- The condition represents a significant risk factor for glaucoma development
Regular eye examinations are recommended for adults over 60 to detect this condition early, as it can lead to serious complications if left unmonitored. The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2015, which provides an update on the pathogenesis and associations of PEX syndrome with intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and systemic diseases 1.