Pseudoexfoliation of the lens capsule and liberation of iris pigment.

A total of 220 inmates of old people's homes, all over 60 years of age, were examined for pseudoexfoliation of the lens capsule. The incidence recorded for the age group 60–69 years was 10%, 70–79 years 21.3% and 80–89 years 32.8%. The intraocular tension of the eyes with pseudo-exfoliation averaged 17.5 mmHg, against an average of 15.4 mmHg in normal eyes. After mydriatics, pigmented floaters were seen in the aqueous humour of 61.5% of the normal eyes, and 83.3% of the eyes with pseudoexfoliation. In these latter eyes, moreover, the pigment liberation was distinctly more marked. The trabecular region of the affected eyes was more pigmented than that of the normal eyes. The mechanism by which pseudoexfoliation possibly affects pigment liberation and trabecular pigmentation is discussed.