Effect of atropine on the anterior chamber depth in glaucomatous patients after trabeculectomy

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of postoperative atropine on anterior chamber depth. Methods Two groups of patients who were diagnosed primary open angle glaucoma underwent primary trabeculectomy were randomized to atropine or no atropine group.Slit-lamp was used to exam the patients before surgery and everyday after surgery.Intraocular pressure was monitored before surgery and on postoperative day 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, and 90.Central chamber depths were measured using UBM before surgery and on postoperative days 7, 14, and 30.Results The incidence rates of shallow anterior chamber of atropine group and no atropine group were 10% and 13.6%, respectively (P>0.05).Compared with no atropine group, the depths of anterior chamber were deeper, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at any time (P>0.05).Conclusions This study shows no statistically significant deepening of the anterior chamber with atropine.Routine atropine use after trabeculectomy may not necessary to reduce incidence rate of shallowing of anterior chamber, but it may useful to deepen anterior chamber in patients with a shallow anterior chamber after trabeculectomy. Key words: Glaucoma; Anterior chamber depth; Atropine; Trabeculectomy