Effect of age on changes in anterior chamber depth and volume after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of age on anterior chamber depth (ACD) and anterior chamber volume (ACV) after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, and a private clinic, Tokyo, Japan.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, patients who had uneventful LASIK for myopia or myopic astigmatism were divided into 2 groups: younger (younger than 40 years) and older (40 years and older). Central corneal thickness, central corneal true net power, ACV, and central ACD were measured using a rotating Scheimpflug camera preoperatively and 1 month postoperatively. These parameters were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

The study evaluated 161 eyes of 83 patients (mean age 34.5 years +/- 8.3 [SD]). The decreases in central ACD and ACV after LASIK were statistically significant in the younger group (P<.0001 and P = .0050, respectively) but not in the older group.

CONCLUSION

Central ACD and the ACV decreased significantly after LASIK in younger patients (<40 years) but not in older patients, indicating that age influences changes in ACD and ACV after LASIK.