Anterior Chamber Depth Changes after Uneventful Phacoemulsification

Abstract

Purpose: To measure changes in anterior chamber depth (ACD) after
uneventful cataract surgery through phacoemulsification along with intraocular
lens (IOL) implantation in healthy eyes using ultrasonography (Amplitude Scan).
Study Design: Prospective observational clinical case series.
Place and duration of Study: Section of Ophthalmology, department of
surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi Pakistan from September 2011 to
March, 2012.
Material and Methods: Seventy Four eyes (74 patients) underwent
Ultrasonography A Scan to evaluate anterior chamber configuration before, 1
day after, 1 week after and 1 month post-operative. We measured central ACD.
Pre-operative and post-operative data was compared by using paired t tests.
Results: A total of 74 subjects were enrolled in this study. There were 42 males
(56.8%) and 32 females (43.2%).Before surgery, overall mean anterior
chamberdepth (mm) ACD was 3.02 ± 0.43; in males was 3.07 ± 0.43 and in
females was 2.96 ± 0.43. Overall, the mean ACD after 1 day of cataract surgery
3.46 ± 0.44,after 1 week of surgery was 3.64 ± 0.46, and after 1 month of
surgery was 3.81 ± 0.46.Significant increase of 0.73 ± 0.58mm (p < 0.0001) in
the mean ACD was seen after 1 month of surgery. However , mean difference in
ACD after 1 month of surgery between male and female groups was 0.11 ± 0.09;
which was not statistically significant (p = 0.42). After uneventful
phacoemulsification along with IOL implantation, the anterior chamber angle
depth increased markedly.
Conclusion: Following uneventful phacoemulsification along with Intraocular
lens implantation, the ACD markedly increased which, was statistically
significant. Ultrasound A Scan is simple and easily available tool for obtaining
quantitative data about anterior chamber depth.
Keywords: Cataract, Anterior Chamber Depth, Phacoemulsification,
Ultrasonography A Scan.