Effect of anterior chamber depth on intraocular pressure after uneventful phacoemulsification surgery in nonglaucomatous eyes with cataract

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of preoperative anterior chamber depth (ACD) on intraocular pressure (IOP) after uneventful phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in nonglaucomatous eyes. Material and Method: The medical records of fifty-five patients (30 male and 25 female) were reviewed retrospectively. The patients who had undergone uneventful phacoemulsification and IOL implantation were divided into two groups according to the values of preoperative ACD: 30 eyes in group 1 (ACD≤3.27 mm) and 25 eyes in group 2 (ACD>3.27 mm). IOP was measured using non-contact tonometer preoperatively and postoperatively (1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months). Results: Three months after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation, the mean IOP decreased 23.6% in group 1 and 13.7% in group 2. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p= 0.025). Discussion: The mean IOP decreases in eyes with shallow anterior chamber more than in normal eyes after uncomplicated phacoemulsification and IOL implantation.