Prevalence and associated factors of pseudoexfoliation syndrome among cataract patients attending comprehensive specialized hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a common age-related disorder characterized by the accumulation of extracellular fibrillar material in various systemic and ocular tissues, particularly on the lens capsule, iris, and trabecular meshwork. The prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome varies worldwide due to differences in geographic location, ethnic background, and environmental factors. This condition has a significant impact on ocular health, particularly among older adults, as it can complicate cataract surgery and is associated with severe forms of glaucoma that are often difficult to manage. A hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Debre Markos and Felege Hiwot comprehensive specialized hospitals. The study reviewed medical records of cataract patients aged 40 years and above who attended the hospitals from January to July 2023. All consecutive eligible records were included. Data were extracted using a structured data extraction tool from June 12 to July 12, 2023. A total of 880 medical records of cataract patients were analyzed. The median age of the participants was 68 years, with an interquartile range of 18. The overall proportion of pseudoexfoliation syndrome was 38%. Factors independently associated with pseudoexfoliation syndrome included outdoor activity (AOR = 6.75, 95% CI 1.99, 8.35), older age (AOR = 5.50, 95% CI 3.75, 8.95), hypertension (AOR = 4.00, 95% CI 2.56, 5.98), glaucoma (AOR = 4.00, 95% CI 2.33, 7.39), nuclear cataract (AOR = 3.98, 95% CI 2.01, 8.94), rural residence (AOR = 3.80, 95% CI 1.99, 6.44), male patients (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.44, 6.43) and high intraocular pressure (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.25, 8.00). The prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome among cataract patients in this study was relatively high. The condition was more frequently observed among participants aged 40 years and above. The findings may contribute to the understanding of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in cataract patients.