Anterior chamber measurements using Pentacam rotating Scheimpflug camera

Abstract

Purpose: 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.

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

Methods: 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.

Results: 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).

Conclusions: 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.