Anterior chamber angle width does not predict IOP decrease after cataract surgery

Can J Ophthalmol. 2010;45(2):149-153.

Preoperative anterior chamber angle width did not appear to predict IOP reduction resulting from cataract surgery, a study showed.

"Cataract surgery results in significant and sustained mean reductions in IOP and concurrent increases in anterior chamber angle width for a period at least 6 months after surgery," the study authors said. "However, measurements of the preoperative anterior chamber angle width did not predict the IOP-lowering effect of cataract surgery."

The prospective comparative observational study included 53 patients with a mean age of 73.3 years who underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation for visually significant cataract.

Investigators used anterior segment optical coherence tomography to measure anterior chamber angle width and Goldmann applanation tonometry to gauge IOP before surgery and 6 months after surgery.

A reduction of 20% or more in IOP from the baseline value was deemed a success. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate postoperative IOP with independent variables such as age, sex, systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma and preoperative anterior chamber angle width.

Study data showed that mean IOP fell from 15.1 mm Hg to 12.8 mm Hg after cataract surgery. Mean anterior chamber angle width increased from 24.7? to 38.1?; the increase was statistically significant (P < .001).

"Multivariate regression analysis did not identify preoperative variables to be significantly associated with a 20% or greater postoperative IOP reduction," the authors said.

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