Correlation between anterior chamber depth changes and post operative refractive error after phacoemulsification

Abstract

: There is an increase in patient demands and satisfaction with post-operative visual recovery. There are numerous factors affecting post-operative visual outcomes. One of the factors is the change in anterior chamber depth post-operatively. The following study was planned to assess the changes in anterior chamber depth post- operatively and determine the correlation with post-operative refractive errors in patients who had cataracts and underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. : This prospective cohort study was conducted in 120 eyes. The cases diagnosed with cataract underwent phacoemulsification. Preoperative and post-operative anterior chamber depths were obtained and post-operative spherical equivalent of refractive errors were noted at 4 weeks.: Smaller anterior chamber depths had a larger amount of deepening of the anterior chamber (ACD difference>1.22mm) after cataract surgery and vice versa (r= -0.46, p<0.01). Post-operative refractive error showed hyperopic shift when the change in AC depth was small (<1.22mm) and myopic shift when the change in AC depth was large (>=1.22mm). : There is a definite correlation between AC depth difference and post-operative spherical refractive error (r= -0.41, p<0.01).