Comparison of Intraocular Pressure of Both Eyes in Patients with Unilateral Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome

Background & Aims: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) is a complex disorder which causes an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). This study was conducted in order to compare IOP of both eyes of patients with unilateral PXS. Methods: In a cross-sectional study from January 2011 to June 2012, 79 patients with unilateral PXS were studied. The patients were examined first with constricted, and then, dilated pupils (after instillation of tropicamide 1%) using slit lamp biomicroscopy. Patients with exfoliative material (XFM) on pupil margin or anterior lens surface of only one eye were included in the study. Age, sex, and intraocular pressures, measured in both involved and noninvolved eyes using Goldman tonometry, were evaluated. Results: IOP of involved eyes was 8-68 (18.78 ± 11.25) mmHg and noninvolved eyes 4-32 (13.67 ± 4.5) mmHg. IOP of noninvolved eyes increased with the increasing of IOP of involved eyes. With increasing age, the amount of IOP of involved eyes increased. However, this relationship was not observed in noninvolved eyes. Conclusion: PXS is a major risk factor for increasing IOP. Since PXS seems to be a systemic disorder, clinically noninvolved eyes may actually be involved or may be at risk to becoming involved. Nevertheless, involved eyes are more susceptible to increased IOP and glaucoma.