From the Guidelines
Pseudoexfoliation syndrome affects approximately 6-7.5% of the Indian population aged over 40 years, with a significant increase in prevalence with age, reaching 15-20% in those over 70 years, resulting in a substantial burden on the healthcare system and quality of life 1. The prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in India varies geographically, with higher rates observed in southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh compared to northern regions.
- Key factors contributing to the burden of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in India include:
- Advanced age
- Female gender
- Outdoor occupation with UV exposure
- Possible genetic factors specific to South Asian populations The condition is characterized by the deposition of whitish fibrillar material on ocular structures, leading to serious complications including:
- Glaucoma (pseudoexfoliation glaucoma occurs in 25-30% of PXF patients)
- Cataracts
- Increased surgical complications Early detection through comprehensive eye examinations is crucial, as PXF-related glaucoma tends to progress more rapidly and respond less effectively to treatment than primary open-angle glaucoma, often requiring more aggressive management approaches 1. The economic burden of glaucoma, including pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, is substantial, with estimated average annual direct medical costs ranging from $623 for early glaucoma to $2511 for end-stage glaucoma, highlighting the need for effective and cost-efficient management strategies 1.
From the Research
Prevalence of Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome in India
- The prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in India has been reported to be around 3.73% in a south Indian population 2.
- Another study found a prevalence of 3.8% in a rural population of south India 3.
- A more recent study using electronic medical record-driven big data analytics found a prevalence of 0.75% in patients presenting to a multi-tier ophthalmology hospital network in India 4.
Burden of Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome in India
- Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is associated with an increased risk of glaucoma, with 8.3% of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome also having glaucoma 2.
- The condition is also associated with ocular hypertension, occludable angles, and cataract 2, 3.
- Patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome have a higher risk of vision loss and a higher maximum and mean intraocular pressure at diagnosis compared to primary open-angle glaucoma 5.
- The majority of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome have mild or no visual impairment, but a quarter of affected eyes are associated with glaucoma 4.
Demographic Distribution of Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome in India
- Pseudoexfoliation syndrome more commonly affects males, with 67.08% of patients being male 4.
- The majority of patients present during the seventh decade of life, with 40.89% of patients being in this age group 4.
- The condition is predominantly unilateral, with 60.96% of patients having unilateral affliction 4.
- Patients from a lower socio-economic status and those presenting from urban geography are more likely to have pseudoexfoliation syndrome 4.