Abstract:AIM:To quantify the changes in the anterior chamber volume(ACV),anterior chamber depth(ACD) and anterior chamber angle(ACA) measurements obtained by the Pentacam rotating Scheimpflug camera following phacoemulsification surgery in age-related cataract eyes.METHODS:Totally 220 eyes of 200 age-related cataract patients who underwent cataract extraction between October 2007 and May 2009 were selected.Patients with a history of angle-closure glaucoma or any other ocular diseases were excluded.Intraocular pressure(IOP) measurement was performed using Goldmann applanation tonometer(GAT).The parameters including ACV,ACD and inferior,superior,temporal and nasal ACA measurements were obtained using the Pentacam system before and 1 month and 6 months after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens(IOL) implantation.Data were compared using paired t-test and one-way ANOVA.The relationships between IOP and ACV,ACD or ACA were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis.RESULTS:Mean preoperative ACV,ACD,ACA and IOP measurements were 152.25±39.87mm3,2.86±0.55mm,28.56°±4.87°,15.54±2.23mmHg respectively.One month postoperatively,mean ACV,ACD,ACA and IOP measurements were 189.65±36.73mm3,4.02±0.53mm,39.72°±5.02°,13.02±1.97mmHg,respectively.Six months postoperatively,mean ACV,ACD,ACA and IOP measurements were 191.47±33.79 mm3,4.01±0.38mm,42.02°±5.98°,12.76±1.52mmHg,respectively.Postoperative mean ACV,ACD and ACA value in all four quadrants were significantly increased both at 1month and 6 months postoperatively(P<0.01,P<0.01,P<0.01),and IOP was significantly reduced(P<0.01).There was no significant difference between 1 month and 6 months postoperatively.CONCLUSION:The Pentacam system is automatic,easy,fast,and non-contact when used for the anterior chamber parameters pre-and postoperatively in all patients’ eyes.Measurements obtained confirm that in age-related cataract eyes,the ACV and ACD increase and the ACA widens in all four quadrants 1 month and 6 months after phacoemulsification and foldable IOL implantation.These changes accompany with a significant fall in IOP.There are no significant changes between 6 months and 1 month postoperatively.
