Changes in anterior chamber depth and intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To determine anterior chamber depth (ACD) and intraocular pressure (IOP) following uncomplicated cataract extraction with phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The ACDs and IOPs of 56 patients were prospectively evaluated after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Measurements of ACD were performed using ultrasonography and measurements of IOP were performed using a Goldmann applanation tonometer preoperatively and at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The mean IOP had decreased and the mean ACD had increased significantly by 1 month postoperatively (P < .03 and P < .01, respectively). Between 1 and 3 months, a significant increase in ACD (P < .05) and decrease in IOP (P < .01) was also observed. The ACD peaked (3.51 +/- 0.45 mm) and the IOP reached its lowest value (10.05 +/- 2.23 mm Hg) at 3 months postoperatively. The reduction in IOP and increase in ACD remained significant during the follow-up period, compared with the preoperative values.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that increases in ACD and decreases in IOP occur in selected patients after uncomplicated cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with IOL implantation.