A quantitative study of anterior chamber angle with ultrasound biomicroscopy after cataract surgery with phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lenses implantation

Objective: To study the changes in anterior chamber angle after phacoemulsification and foldable IOL implantation with ultrasound biomicroscopy.

Methods: Small-incision phacoemulsification and foldable IOL implantation were performed in 50 eyes of 46 senior patients, and the changes of anterior chamber angle were determined quantitatively by using ultrasound biomicroscopy before and one month after the surgery.

Results: In all patients, the angle was widened significantly one month after surgery (P < 0.01). The measurements of TIA500 (trabecular-iris angle at 500 micro m from the scleral spur), AOD250 (angle-opening distance at 250 micro m from the scleral spur) and AOD500 (angle-opening distance at 500 micro m from the scleral spur) increased significantly after the operation (P < 0.01). The mean post/pre-operative TIA500 ratio, AOD250 ratio and AOD500 ratio were 1.65 (1.12 - 4.91), 1.81 (1.06 - 2.67) and 1.65 (1.01 - 2.76), respectively. A significant negative correlation existed between preoperative and postoperative data.

Conclusions: Small-incision cataract surgery deepens the anterior chamber and widens anterior chamber angle significantly in senior patients. The narrower the preoperative angle, the higher ratio of post/preoperative ratio found.