Tear film abnormalities in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Abstract Introduction: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is a systemic age-related disorder with the production and accumulation of abnormal fibrous material in visceral organs and in the eye. The presence of pseudoexfoliation in the conjunction and lacrimal glands can affect the tear film stability. Objective: The objective of this study was to study the tear film abnormalities in patients with PEX. Materials and Methods: In this case–control study, Group 1 consisted of 40 eyes with PEX, Group 2 consisted of 40 eyes with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, and Group 3 consisted of 40 eyes without pseudoexfoliation (control group). Schirmer’s two tests and tear film break-up time (TBUT) were performed to study the tear film abnormalities in all eyes. Results: The mean Schirmer’s in Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 was 12.43 ± 5.697, 13.10 ± 5.173, and 21.98 ± 5.399, respectively. The mean TBUT in Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 was 6.0 ± 1.961, 5.13 ± 2.053, and 11.38 ± 1.644, respectively. Both Schirmer’s 2 test and TBUT values between Groups 1 and Group 3, between Group 2 and 3 showed statistically significant differences ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study reveals that tear film abnormalities are commonly seen in PEX syndrome and PEX glaucoma due to the involvement of conjunctiva in PEX.