Evaluation of the effect of scleral buckling on the anterior chamber angle using ASOCT

To evaluate the change in anterior chamber angle parameters after scleral buckling surgery using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT).

Fifty-five phakic eyes of 55 subjects undergoing scleral buckling with the placement of an encircling band for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were included in this study. Anterior chamber angle assessment was performed using ASOCT. The trabecular iris angle (TIA), the angle-opening distance, and the trabecular iris space area were the parameters obtained preoperatively and 48 hours, 1 week, and 1 month after the surgery using ASOCT. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry.

The mean age of the patients was 43.2±11.3 years; there were 38 male and 17 female patients. There was a significant decrease in all the angle parameters (TIA, angle opening distance, and trabecular iris space area) at 48 hours, 1 week, and 1 month after surgery (P<0.0001). TIA 180 degree decreased from 41.93±14.27 degrees preoperatively to 31.09±10.52 degrees (P<0.0001) and TIA 0 degree from 42.7±14.04 degrees to 32.92±12.17 degrees (P<0.0001) at 48 hours postoperatively. The mean IOP at 48 hours (17.04±3.26 mm Hg) was significantly higher than the preoperative level (12.68±1.96 mm Hg; P<0.001). No significant difference was noted between the mean preoperative IOP and the IOP readings at 1 week (P=0.402) and 1 month (P=0.23) postoperatively.

ASOCT imaging reveals that scleral buckling surgery for retinal detachment induces significant narrowing of the anterior chamber angle.