Anterior chamber measurements taken with Pentacam: an objective tool in laser iridotomy

Laser iridotomy is the standard first-line intervention in both acute and chronic forms of angle closure because it prevents the recurrence of acute attacks and virtually eliminates the risk of an acute attack in the fellow eye. Pentacam is a new imaging modality which does not require probe contact or an immersion bath. The instrument will allow anterior segment morphology before and after laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) to be quantified. The aim of the study is to evaluate the objective difference in changes of anterior chamber morphology after LPI with Pentacam.

Twenty eyes with a high risk of angle closure were evaluated with Pentacam rotating Scheimpflug camera before and after LPI. We measured anterior chamber volume, anterior chamber depth, and chamber angle before and after laser treatment.

Statistically significant difference before and after LPI was noted in all anterior chamber measurements except central anterior chamber depth.

This study confirms previous reports of increased anterior chamber volume and angle after LPI and Pentacam is a good objective instrument to demonstrate the efficacy of LPI.