Changes in the anterior chamber configuration after small-incision cataract surgery with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation

PURPOSE: To report quantitative changes in the anterior chamber configuration after small-incision cataract surgery with implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens by means of ultrasound biomicroscopy. METHODS: We examined the anterior chamber configuration of 20 eyes of 20 patients before and 3 months after small-incision cataract surgery (phacoemulsification and aspiration plus foldable intraocular lens implantation through a 3.0- to 4.0-mm self-sealing wound) by means of ultrasound biomicroscopy, The following variables were measured: the anterior chamber depth at the center of the cornea, the angle-opening distance 250 mu m from the scleral spur (AOD250), the angle-opening distance 500 mu m from the scleral spur (AOD500), and the trabecular-iris angle. RESULTS: The anterior chamber depth at the center of the cornea, AOD250, AOD500, and trabecular-iris angle increased significantly after surgery, The preoperative anterior chamber depth at the center of the cornea and trabecular iris angle were negatively correlated with the differences between the postoperative and preoperative values (P <.01). The preoperative values of all variables examined were negatively correlated with the ratios of the postoperative value to the preoperative value (P <.002). CONCLUSIONS: The present results showed that small-incision cataract surgery significantly deepened the anterior chamber and widened its angle, The more shallow the preoperative anterior cham her was, the greater the postoperative change of the chamber was; and the more narrow the preoperative angle was, the greater the postoperative change of the angle was.