Anterior chamber measurements using Pentacam rotating Scheimpflug camera

To investigate the mean values and standard deviations according to age, reliability, and correlation between different parameters of anterior chamber measurements using the Pentacam rotating Scheimpflug camera.

Heidelberg IOL and Refractive Surgery Research Group, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.

This prospective clinical study comprised 76 healthy volunteers (mean age 46.6 years +/- 16.8 [SD]). Three consecutive measurements were made of only 1 eye and anterior chamber depth (ACD), mean and minimum anterior chamber angle (ACA), and anterior chamber volume (ACV) were evaluated.

Mean ACD was 2.93 +/- 0.36 mm, mean ACA was 34.81 +/- 5.05 degrees, minimum ACA was 29.99 +/- 5.53 degrees, and mean ACV was 160.3 +/- 36.81 mm3. Increasing age was associated with reduced ACD and ACV; however, mean and minimum ACAs were lowest in patients aged 40 to 59 years. Excellent correlation was found between ACD and ACV (R = 0.92). Anterior chamber depth and mean ACA correlated only moderately (R = 0.65). The correlation coefficient between ACD and minimum ACA was smaller (R = 0.58). There was no correlation between ACV and ACA (R = 0.37). Minor standard deviations were noted (ACD 0.02 +/- 0.02 mm, mean ACA 1.12 +/- 0.94 degrees, minimum ACA 2.04 +/- 2.67 degrees, and ACV 2.48 +/- 1.65 mm3).

Using the Pentacam, it was possible to examine different parameters of the anterior chamber within a short period and with good reliability. The evaluation of the ACA in different positions can help to classify the potential risk for angle-closure glaucoma.