Comparative Analysis of Lamina Parameters in Nonglaucomatous Eyes With and Without Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome.

Abstract

To compare lamina cribrosa (LC) parameters in nonglaucomatous eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXFS) and healthy control eyes to assess structural alterations that may contribute to early glaucoma pathophysiology. Retrospective, cross-sectional study. Fifty eyes with non-glaucomatous PXFS and 50 healthy, age-matched control eyes. All participants underwent spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with enhanced-depth imaging. LC parameters were measured at the superior mid-peripheral, central, and inferior mid-peripheral regions. Comparisons between groups were assessed with paired t-tests for continuous data and the McNemar test for categorical data. Mixed effects model analysis was utilized to identify factors associated with lamina cribrosa thickness (LCT). Measurements of LCT, lamina cribrosa curvature depth (LCCD), curvature index (LCCI), and prelaminar tissue thickness (PLTT). Eyes with PXFS exhibited significantly thinner LCT than controls across all regions: superior mid-peripheral (163.85 ± 39.13 µm vs. 222.18 ± 38.03 µm), central (172.95 ± 40.63 µm vs. 220.17 ± 51.77 µm), and inferior mid-peripheral (165.58 ± 35.18 µm vs. 217.73 ± 44.00 µm). No significant differences were observed in PLTT, LCCD and LCCI between the 2 groups. Multivariable mixed effects model analysis identified the presence of PXFS (β = -50.687) as an independent factor associated with LCT. PXFS eyes show significant LC thinning, potentially representing early structural changes preceding glaucoma. Monitoring LC parameters in PXFS eyes may facilitate early detection of patients at risk of disease progression.