Determination of anterior segment changes with Pentacam after phacoemulsification in eyes with primary angle-closure glaucoma.

BACKGROUND

To investigate changes of anterior segment morphology in primary angle-closure glaucoma after phacoemulsification using the Pentacam system.

DESIGN

Prospective, interventional study, Zhongshan Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty-five eyes from 60 patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma undergoing phacoemulsification.

METHODS

Intraocular pressure was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry. Anterior segment morphology was assessed using the Pentacam camera.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The intraocular pressure, central anterior chamber depth, peripheral anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber volume, pupil diameter and anterior chamber angle preoperative and 3 months postoperative.

RESULTS

A total 78 eyes of 55 patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma were included in the analysis. Thirty-two eyes (41.0%) had acute primary angle-closure glaucoma, and 46 eyes (59.0%) had chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma. In both groups, statistically significant decreases in intraocular pressure and increases in anterior chamber volume, central anterior chamber depth, peripheral anterior chamber depth and anterior chamber angle inferiorly, nasally, temporally and superiorly were observed at 3 months after phacoemulsification (all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Phacoemulsification induces significant changes in anterior segment morphology in primary angle-closure glaucoma accompanied by a significant fall in intraocular pressure in the short term.