The pathogenesis of XFS and XFG is multifactorial and is associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms of LOXL1 [7,8] and other genes [2] but also with ageing [1], UV exposure [1], folate intake [9], hyperhomocysteinaemia [10], oxidative stress [11], dysfunctional autophagy [12] and dysregulated retinoic acid signalling [13]. The gene discussed is LOXL1; the disease is exfoliation syndrome.