INCIDENCE OF DEFECTS IN THE PIGMENTED PUPILLARY RUFF IN EYES WITH AND WITHOUT FIBRILLOPATHIA EPITHELIOCAPSULARIS

Abstract

The frequency of defects in the pigmented pupillary ruff has been studied in 75 persons with and 8,462 persons without fibrillopathia epitheliocapsularis (pseudo‐exfoliation). In eyes without fibrillopathy the total frequency was 6.1%, increasing from 0.7% in the age group 40–49 years to 66.7% for persons above 90. In eyes with fibrillopathy, the total frequency was far higher, 74%, increasing from 42% in the age group 50–59 years to 90% in patients over 80. In persons with unilateral fibrillopathy the frequency of pupillary ruff was twice as great in eyes with fibrillopathy as it was in those without. It is assumed that in eyes with fibrillopathy there is an adhesion between the pigment layer of the iris and the anterior surface of the lens. Movements of the iris may then cause destruction of the iris pigment cells, followed by gradual depigmentation of the pupillary ruff.