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.