Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is an age related microfibrillopathy disorder characterized by the deposition of greyish white flaky exfoliative material in ocular and extraocular tissue. It commonly affects patients over 50 years old ((commonly in late 60s and 70s) with prevalence range from 0.5% to > 30%, Although it occurs in virtually every area of the world, a considerable racial variation exists in its incidence. It is relatively rare among African Americans and Eskimos. Prevalence is high in the Sami people who are indigenous of northern Europe. There is also a high prevalence in Arabic populations. It is also well known that patients with PXF develop cataracts early in their lives. Phacoemulsification is a preferred type of cataract surgery owing to fewer complications than other types. However, it still has significant undesirable hazardous as Posterior capsular rupture, vitreous loss, Retinal detachment, Cystoid macular oedema and Posterior capsule opacification. Also, it can enhance loss of corneal endothelial cells, thickness and density that may result in corneal decompensation and subsequent corneal transplantation. In patients with PXF, small pupils and weak zonular support may enhance Phacoemulsification complications. Non-contact Specular microscope is a non-invasive method for morphological analysis of corneal density of endothelial cells, size change (Polymegathism), hexagonal change (pleomorphism). Therefore, this technology plays an important role in preoperative evaluation, surgical design and postoperative care.
this study aimed to evaluate the corneal endothelial cell changes before and after phacoemulsification in pseudoexfoliative patients relative to healthy adults.