Axial length and anterior chamber indices in elderly population: Tehran Geriatric Eye Study.

AIM: To determine the normative distribution of axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), anterior chamber angle (ACA), and some of their associated factors in subjects aged 60 and over.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 160 clusters were sampled using multi-stage cluster sampling in Tehran, Iran. After a preliminary interview, the participants underwent optometric examinations including visual acuity and refraction measurement followed by slit lamp biomicroscopy. Finally, ocular imaging was done using the Pentacam AXL to measure AL, ACD, ACV, and ACA.

RESULTS

A total of 4519 eyes of 2436 participants were evaluated, of whom 58.0% (n=1412) were female. The mean age of the subjects was 67.32±6.05y (range: 60-95y). The mean AL, ACD, ACV, and ACA was 23.22 mm (23.18-23.27 mm), 2.61 mm (2.59-2.62 mm), 126.56 mm3 (125.08-128.04 mm3), and 30.61° (30.3°-30.92°), respectively. In the multivariable model, after adjusting for the effect of both eyes, the longest and shortest AL was seen in myopic and hyperopic subjects, respectively. AL, ACD, ACV and ACA were significantly larger in men compared to women (P<0.001). Except ACA, other evaluated parameters showed an inverse correlation with age (P<0.001), however, this correlation was insignificant for AL (P=0.623).

CONCLUSION

Normative value of AL, and other biometric parameters are specific for each ethnicity, age and sex group. Any alteration in these parameters and their effect on refraction should be considered in this age group, especially in case of cataract surgery.