To evaluate the lamina cribrosa (LC) and macular/peripapillary choroid in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS).

In this cross-sectional study, one eye of 32 non-glaucomatous PXS cases and 29 healthy volunteers were enrolled. The optic discs were scanned using enhanced depth imaging spectral domain optical coherence tomography and measurements were obtained using HEYEX software 6.0. Lamina cribrosa and other related variables at 3 areas (mid superior, center, and mid inferior) and peripapillary choroidal thickness were determined. Linear mixed modeling was used to adjust the variables.

After adjustment for age, sex and axial length, there was neither significant difference in peripapillary choroidal thickness nor in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness between the two groups. The LC was significantly thinner at all 3 areas in the PXS group compared to the control group, even after adjustment. While no significant difference in central laminar depth was observed between two groups(p=0.74), the superior and inferior laminar depth were significantly deeper in the PXS group compared to the control group)(p=0.04 and p=0.006, respectively). Although there was significant negative association between age and central choroidal thickness in the control group (β=-2.820,p=0.02), this correlation was not significant in the PXS group.

We found that LC is significantly thinner in all three areas of the ONH in non-glaucomatous PXS patients than in controls. While no significant difference in peripapillary choroidal thickness was observed between the two groups, peripheral posterior displacement of LC in non-glaucomatous PXS eyes was noted.