Changes in anterior chamber depth and intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine anterior chamber depth (ACD) and intraocular pressure (IOP) following uncomplicated cataract extraction with phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The ACDs and IOPs of 56 patients were prospectively evaluated after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Measurements of ACD were performed using ultrasonography and measurements of IOP were performed using a Goldmann applanation tonometer preoperatively and at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean IOP had decreased and the mean ACD had increased significantly by 1 month postoperatively (P < .03 and P < .01, respectively). Between 1 and 3 months, a significant increase in ACD (P < .05) and decrease in IOP (P < .01) was also observed. The ACD peaked (3.51 +/- 0.45 mm) and the IOP reached its lowest value (10.05 +/- 2.23 mm Hg) at 3 months postoperatively. The reduction in IOP and increase in ACD remained significant during the follow-up period, compared with the preoperative values. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that increases in ACD and decreases in IOP occur in selected patients after uncomplicated cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with IOL implantation.