Anterior Segment Characteristics of Eyes with Anterior Chamber Depth Less than 2.8 mm and Axial Length Greater than 25 mm

Abstract

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate anterior segment parameters of eyes, with anterior chamber depth (ACD) less than 2.8 mm and axial length greater than 25.0 mm.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 180 myopic eyes of 180 consecutive patients with axial length greater than 25.0 mm. Patients were divided into low ACD (ACD < 2.8 mm, n = 56) and normal ACD (ACD ≥ 2.8 mm, n = 124) groups. Anterior segment parameters were measured using Scheimpflug imaging and ultrasound biomicroscopy. A general linear model was used to compare parameters between the two groups, after adjusting for age and spherical equivalent.

Results

Compared with the normal ACD group, the low ACD group had lower values for the following parameters: corneal diameter, trabecular–anterior iris surface angle, angle-opening distance at 500 μm, anterior chamber volume, anterior chamber width, anterior vault, iris thickness at 500 μm, ciliary sulcus-to-sulcus diameter, distance between cornea and sulcus, trabecular–ciliary process distance, maximum ciliary body thickness, ciliary process length, relative anterior vault, relative distance between cornea and sulcus, and relative lens position (general linear model, p < 0.05). In contrast, central corneal thickness, iris curvature, lens thickness, lens vault, and iris–ciliary angle were greater in the low ACD group (general linear model, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

A smaller anterior segment, as well as a thicker and more anteriorly positioned lens, may correlate with shallow ACD in eyes with long axial length.