AIM: To analyze the cause and management of shallow anterior chamber after glaucoma surgery.

METHODS: The cause and management of shallow anterior chamber after glaucoma surgery on 298 cases(462 eyes)were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS: In 298 cases(462 eyes), 99 eyes(21.4%)had shallow anterior chamber. In 358 eyes treated with trabeculectomy, 77 eyes(21.5%)had shallow anterior chamber. In 85 eyes treated with trabeculectomy+MMC(mitomycin C), 20 eyes(23.5%)had shallow anterior chamber. In 19 eyes treated with trabeculectomy combined with cataract phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation, 2 eyes(10.53%)had shallow anterior chamber. Shallow anterior chamber appeared at 1 day to 5 days postoperatively. Forty-two eyes(42.4%)were with excessive filtering, 6 eyes(6.1%)with malignant glaucoma, 29 eyes(29.3%)with choroidal detachment, 2 eyes(2.0%)with malignant glaucoma complicated by choroidal detachment. Of 99 eyes with shallow anterior chamber, anterior chamber of 79 eyes recovered treated by nonsurgical methods, 20 eyes treated by operation.

CONCLUSION: The common cause of shallow anterior chamber after glaucoma surgery was preoperative high intraocular pressure, inflammation, excessive filtering, conjunctival flap flushing and choroidal detachment. Most cases can be managed with nonsurgical methods. Surgical interference should be taken if necessary.