Evaluation of the effects of environmental factors and eating habits on exfoliation syndrome and glaucoma in a Turkish population

Purpose This study aimed to assess the possible effect of environmental factors and eating habits on patients with the exfoliation syndrome (XFS) and exfoliative glaucoma (XFG) in a Turkish population. Methods A questionnaire was applied to 1,000 individuals, including 290 patients with XFS, 210 patients with XFG, and 500 age- and sex-matched healthy control participants. Sociodemographic characteristics, home type and warming methods, living and working conditions (indoor–outdoor), dietary habits based on the the guidance of Turkey Dietary Guidelines, (Determination of Nutritional Status Report and Turkey National Nutrition and Health Survey) and using sunglasses were evaluated. The chi-square test, Student t test, and analysis of variance were used for the statistical analysis with SPSS v. 23.0 software. Results The case–control groups were matched during data collection, and age and sex distribution in groups was analyzed; however, no difference was found. The average years and hours spent outdoor were statistically different between case and control groups (P