The Changes of Anterior Chamber Depth and Refractive Errors after Phacovitrectomy with Posterior Capsulotomy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in anterior chamber depth (ACD) and refractive error after combined phacovitrectomy with posterior capsulotomy using a vitrectomy probe. METHODS: In 20 eyes of 20 patients who underwent combined phacovitrectomy with posterior capsulotomy using a vitrectomy probe, the ACD was measured with Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam®, OCULUS Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) preoperatively and postoperatively. We compared the preoperative desired refraction and postoperative refraction using an autokeratorefractometor. RESULTS: The preoperative ACD was 2.58 ± 0.248 mm; the ACD significantly increased in 1 month postoperatively to 3.65 ± 0.475 mm (p < 0.001), and it was maintained as 3.70 ± 0.452 mm (p = 0.213) at 3 months postoperatively. The preoperative target spherical equivalent was −0.60 ± 0.809 diopters (D). Myopic shifting was noticed at 1 month postoperatively as −1.45 ± 1.252 D, and it changed between 1 month and 3 months postoperatively (−1.48 ± 1.235 D at 3 months postoperatively was not statistically significant). There was no increased intraocular pressure or intraocular lens-related complication. CONCLUSIONS: Phacovitrectomy with posterior capsulotomy using a vitrectomy probe might be a useful way to stabilize the axial position of an intraocular lens without constriction of the capsular bag. However, using this procedure, the surgeon must consider the possibility of myopic shifting in the postoperative refractive error.