ABSTRACT

To quantify the configuration changes in anterior segment structures after cataract extraction using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).

33 eyes of 33 patients (21 male, 12 female; mean age: 69.0±8.3 years) with senile or presenile cataracts undergoing cataract surgery were prospectively studied. UBM was performed for each patient before and 1 month after surgery. At each UBM examination, axial images of the anterior chamber and radial sections of the angle in four quadrants were obtained. The measurements were performed by using the calipers included in the equipment software and UBM Pro2000® software.

After cataract surgery, we determined statistically significant increases in anterior chamber depth and angle parameters (p=0.001). We found that the postoperative increases in anterior chamber depth, angle recess area, angle opening distance 250 and angle opening distance 500 were 1.3, 1.4, 1.7 and 1.5 times, respectively, when compared with the preoperative levels. Decreases in acceleration and increases in y-intercept were determined in 4 quadrants postoperatively by of linear regression analysis of anterior chamber angle and these were also statistically significant (p=0.001).

UBM gives both qualitative and quantitative valuable information about anterior segment structures. We think that UBM may be a useful tool for evaluation of patients with cataract and occludable and/or narrow angles undergoing cataract surgery for therapeutic purpose. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2011; 41: 200-6)