Posters

Changes in anterior chamber parameters after phacoemulsification surgery in patients with occludable angles versus patients with open angles

Poster Details

First Author: T.Borges PORTUGAL

Co Author(s):    C. Abreu   M. Neves   S. Maia   M. Menéres   P. Menéres  

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To compare the effect of phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation on intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV) and anterior chamber angle (ACA) in patients with cataract and occludable angles (Group 1) versus patients with cataract and open angles (Group 2).

Setting:

Ophthalmology Department - Centro Hospitalar do Porto; ICBAS - Universidade do Porto, Portugal

Methods:

A total of 168 eyes (84 of Group 1 and 84 of Group 2) were submitted to phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Patients with history of glaucoma were excluded. IOP was measured with Goldmann Applanation Tonometry. ACD, ACV and ACA were evaluated by Pentacam® before and after surgery. These parameters were checked preoperatively and 1 and 3 months after surgery.

Results:

The mean age of patients was 67 years for group 1 and 68 for group 2. The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before the surgery was 20/40 for group 1 and 20/50 for group 2. After surgery, the mean BCVA was 20/25 for both groups. There was a significant decrease in IOP in Group 1 (16,2 to 13,2 mmHg). There were an increase of ACD, ACV and ACA, and a decrease of IOP in both groups, but there were more notable in Group 1.

Conclusions:

Pentacam® allows easy and non-contact quantification of the anterior chamber parameters. Cataract surgery reduces significantly intraocular pressure in eyes with occludable angles and deepens the anterior chamber. It is a safe and effective procedure and might be considered in these patients to prevent acute angle closure attacks. FINANCIAL INTEREST: NONE