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Angle on Glaucoma: Types
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Exfoliative Glaucoma

Exfoliative Glaucoma (EFG) is commonly found in the elderly in their sixth to eighth decade of life. In pseudoexfoliation syndrome, there is a protein similar to amyloid that is deposited in the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. This fibrilogranular material is believed to be abnormal basement membrane from primarily the lens epithelium with other contributions from the anterior iris surface, ciliary body, trabecular meshwork, zonules, vessel walls, and other structures in the eye. This protein-like material as well as pigment from the posterior side of the iris is believed to mechanically block the aqueous from leaving the anterior chamber, thus causing a rise in intraocular pressure (IOP). There are some, however, who have this type of pseudoexfoliative debris in the trabeculum, but experience no decrease in aqueous flow and have normal IOPs.

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URL: http://www.opt.indiana.edu/clinics/pteduc/glaucoma/types/eg.htm
Revised: August 2, 2002
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