[Phacoemulsification in prevention of acute angle-closure glaucoma attack].

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Anatomic studies
• Glaucoma research

Background:

• Anatomically short eyes with thickened lenses pose a high risk for acute glaucoma attacks.
• Optimal management strategies for these patients require careful consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate morphometric changes in the anterior segment of anatomically short eyes before and after preventative phacoemulsification (PE).
• To assess the long-term effectiveness of PE in managing eyes at risk of acute glaucoma.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 70 patients (70 eyes) with short axial length and thickened lenses.
• Patients were divided into a PE group (n=45) and a non-PE control group (n=25).
• B-mode ultrasound assessed lens and anterior chamber dimensions (CSAL, CSAAC) and anterior chamber angle (ACA).

Main Results:

• The PE group showed immediate and sustained increases in anterior chamber depth, CSAAC, and ACA width post-surgery.
• The non-PE group experienced decreased anterior chamber depth and CSAAC, narrowed ACA, and increased intraocular pressure over time.
• The non-PE group showed progressive lens thickening (CSAL) and eventual complete ACA closure.

Conclusions:

• Timely preventative phacoemulsification leads to significant and lasting improvements in key ocular morphometric parameters.
• PE effectively mitigates the risk of acute glaucoma attacks in susceptible individuals.
• The positive effects of PE on anterior segment morphology are stable for at least 4-5 years post-surgery.