[Study of anterior chamber configuration with panoramic ultrasound biomicroscopy after cataract surgery with phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lenses implantation].

Objective: To study the changes in anterior chamber configuration after phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lenses (IOL) implantation with panoramic ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).

Methods: A novel panoramic UBM was developed for anterior segment scanning. Small-incision phacoemulsification and foldable IOL implantation were performed in 102 eyes of 81 patients with age-related cataract. The anterior chamber diameter in horizontal meridian and vertical meridian and the anterior chamber depth (ACD) were measured by computer calipers before and two months after the surgery. The changes of the anterior chamber angle were measured in 36 eyes.

Results: Diameter of anterior chamber in vertical meridian was greater than that in horizontal meridian in most cases. In all patients, horizontal anterior chamber diameter was widened significantly two months after surgery (t = 7.10, P < 0.01), a significantly negative correlation existed between preoperative and postoperative data(r = 0.801, P < 0.01). The ACD was deepened ( t = 39.97, P < 0.01) . In 36 eyes, the anterior chamber angle was widened.

Conclusions: Diameter of the anterior chamber in vertical meridian is greater than that in horizontal meridian in most cases. After phacoemulsification and foldable IOL implantation, UBM revealed that the anterior chamber diameter is increased and postoperative chamber diameter can be estimated by preoperative one. After the operation, the iris diaphragm shifts backward, the anterior chamber is deepened and anterior chamber angle is widened.