Evaluation of ultrasonic biomicroscopy results in anterior eye segment before and after cataract surgery

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the value of ultrasonic biomicroscopy in reporting decreases in intraocular pressure resulting from changes in anterior chamber depth and angle after phacoemulsification and intracapsular lens implantation in patients with cataract. METHODS This prospective interventional case series included 50 eyes of 50 consecutive subjects operated at the same center. Patients with eye disease affecting visual acuity, a history of eye surgery, corneal surface irregularities, a pupil diameter < 5 mm after preoperative dilation, aged younger than 35 years, posterior capsule perforation, iris dialysis during surgery, intensive postoperative corneal edema, and inability to attend adequate follow-up were excluded. Intraocular pressure, anterior chamber depth and angle, and corneal thickness were measured before and one month after surgery. RESULTS The mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 14 mmHg and postoperatively was 11 mmHg. Mean anterior chamber depth preoperatively was 2.8 mm and increased to 3.7 mm postoperatively. The mean anterior chamber angle was measured as 27° preoperatively and as 42° postoperatively. CONCLUSION After phacoemulsification and intracapsular lens implantation, ultrasonic biomicroscopy showed that the iris diaphragm had shifted backwards, widening the angle of the anterior chamber and decreasing intraocular pressure.