The effects of complicated cataract surgery on iris structure and anterior chamber angle.

PURPOSE: To evaluate iris structure in aphakic eyes scheduled for placement of a secondary intraocular lens.

METHODS

Twenty-eight aphakic eyes of 28 patients who were scheduled for secondary intraocular lens implantation between January 2012 and January 2017 at Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital after a complicated cataract surgery were recruited in this study. The phakic fellow eyes of the patients were defined as a control group. Iris thickness was assessed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography at 750μm (IT750) and 2000μm (IT2000) from the scleral spur. Moreover, maximum iris thickness (ITM) and anterior chamber angle parameters such as trabecular iris surface area at 500 and 750μm (TISA500, TISA750), angle opening distances at 500 and 750μm (AOD500, AOD750) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Mean IT750, IT2000 and ITM readings and were significantly lower in the aphakic eyes compared to the healthy eyes (P=0.04, P=0.01, P=0.01 respectively). Anterior chamber parameters (TISA500, TISA750, AOD500 and AOD750) and ACD were significantly increased in aphakic eyes following complicated cataract surgery compared to healthy fellow eyes (all P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Complicated cataract surgery leading to aphakia results in decreased iris thickness and increased anterior chamber depth. These findings might be helpful in the selection of the type of surgery for placement of a secondary IOL.