The changes of anatomic and topographic characteristics of eye anterior segment after uncomplicated cataract phacoemulsification

Aim. To study the changes of anatomic and topographic characteristics of the eye anterior segment after uncomplicated cataract phacoemulsification using corneal incision with intraocular soft lens implantation. Methods. The data of ultrasound biomicroscopy and noncontact tonometry of 58 eyes (56 patients, 32 females, 24 males aged 54 to 78 years) before and after cataract phacoemulsification were analyzed. Paitents with survived ocular trauma, refractive keratoplasty, glaucoma, uveitis, and surgical complications (incomplete capsulorrhexis, posterior capsule rupture, ciliary zonule disinsertion, corneal burn). Apart from the common examinations (visual acuity testing, tonometry, tonography, eye A- and B-ultrasonography, biomicroscopy), all patients underwent eye ultrasound biomicroscopy. Results. Anterior chamber depth increased from 2.73±0.10 to 4.17±0.06 mm (p ≤0.001). Trabecula-iris distance measured at 500 μm from the scleral spur, increased from 0.38±0.02 to 0.47±0.02 mm (p ≤0.001). Anterior chamber angle increased from 28.69±1.87 to 42.73±1.56 degrees (p ≤0.001), the angle between the iris and the sclera increased from 32.78±1.39 to 41.36±0.84 degrees (p ≤0.001), the angle between the sclera and ciliary processes increased from 39.48±1.29 to 45.30±1.16 degrees (p ≤0.001). Intraocular pressure according to the non-contact tonometry data decreased from 18.16±1.29 to 13.55±0.95 mm Hg (p ≤0.001). Conclusion. Anterior chamber depth, trabecula-iris distance, anterior chamber angle, the angle between sclera and iris and the angle between sclera and ciliary processes increased significantly after phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Intraocular pressure decreased significantly according to the non-contact tonometry data.

ultrasound biomicroscopy, cataract phacoemulsification, anterior chamber depth, intraocular pressure