The Effect of Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome on the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and Choroid Thickness

Purpose: To investigate thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and choroid thickness in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) compared to healthy volunteers. Methods: This cross-sectional, prospective study included 43 patients with PXG, 45 patients with PEX syndrome, and 48 healthy volunteers. The RNFL and macular thickness were analyzed with standard OCT protocol while choroidal thickness was analyzed with EDI protocol in all subjects. Results: The RNFL thickness was higher in the PEX and control groups compared to the PXG group (p<0.001). The choroid thickness was significantly higher in the control group compared to the PXG and PEX groups (p<0.05). No significant difference was detected between the both groups. Conclusions: PEX might weaken choroid circulation by accumulating in choroid vessels. The thinner choroid in the PXG group suggests that ischemia affects the duration of PEX and has a role in the development of glaucoma.