Pseudoexfoliation

A condition simulating exfoliation in some respects, but in which the surface layer is not actually detached.

Deposition of greyish-white, flake-like basement membrane material on the anterior lens capsule, the iris and the ciliary processes with free-floating particles in the anterior chamber. It occurs mainly in the elderly. It often gives rise to glaucoma (pseudoexfoliation glaucoma). The origin of the pseudoexfoliative material is believed to be secondary to an abnormal basement membrane, produced by ageing epithelial cells in the eye, as well as in the skin and visceral organs. See pseudoexfoliation glaucoma; pseudoexfoliation syndrome.