Exfoliation syndrome (XFS), one of the most common causes of secondary glaucoma, is an age-related, late-oneset, multifactorial systemic disease. The pathogenesis involves both genetic and environmental factors. However, the exact pathogenesis of XFS is still unclear. The purpose of this article was to review the progress of pathogenesis research in XFS, including the aspects of LOXL1 genetic polymorphism, gene hypermethylation, environmental factors, autophagy and so on, which may be involved in the formation and development of XFS. It can deepen the understanding of XFS,

expecting to contribute to the prevention and treatment of XFS.(Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2016, 40: 380-383)