Changes of Anterior Chamber Depth and Refractive Error after Phacovitrectomy with and without Posterior Capsulotomy

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the effect on changes in anterior chamber depth (ACD) and refractive error between subjects after combined phacovitrectomy with posterior capsulotomy using a vitrectomy probe and control subjects after combined phacovitrectomy without posterior capsulotomy. Methods: A total of 20 eyes of 20 subjects who underwent combined phacovitrectomy with posterior capsulotomy using a vitrectomy probe were compared with 20 eyes of 20 control subjects who underwent only phacovitrectomy without posterior capsulotomy. The ACD was measured with Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam (R); OCULUS Optikgerate GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) before and after surgery. Also the preoperative desired refraction and postoperative refraction were compared using an auto keratorefractometor. Results: The preoperative ACD of subjects with posterior capsulotomy was 2.56 +/- 0.233 mm. The ACD was 3.54 +/- 0.366 mm and 3.71 +/- 0.424 mm at one and three months after surgery in subjects with posterior capsulotomy. The preoperative ACD of subjects without posterior capsulotomy was 2.53 +/- 0.204 mm. The ACD was 3.09 +/- 0.197 mm and 2.95 +/- 0.295 mm at one and three months after surgery in subjects without posterior capsulotomy. There was no significant difference between the two groups in preoperative ACD, but ACD at one and three months after surgery was significantly different between the two groups. The desired refractory error was -0.32 +/- 0.124 D in subjects with posterior capsulotomy, and -0.33 +/- 0.142 D in the control group. The postoperative refraction was -0.62 +/- 0.132 D in patients who underwent phacovitrectomy with posterior capsulotomy, and -0.91 +/- 0.292 D in the control group. There was a significant difference in refraction three months after the surgery. Conclusions: Combined phacovitrectomy with posterior capsulotomy using a vitrectomy probe may be a useful way to prevent myopic change caused by anterior migration of an intraocular lens compared with control subjects, without posterior capsulotomy, for three months after surgery.