AIM: To study the curative effect for patients with age related cataract and shallow anterior chamber after phacoemulsification.

METHODS: Totally 38 patients(38 eyes)with age related cataract and shallow anterior chamber were selected and divided into two groups according to the depth of the anterior chamber, as mild shallow anterior chamber group(2-2.5mm)23 eyes, high risk shallow anterior chamber group(<2.0mm)15 eyes. Thirty-eight patients(38 eyes)with age related cataract with normal anterior chamber were as control group at the same period. All the patients received the operations by the same doctor and were followed up for 3mo. The observed items included visual acuity before and after operations, intraocular pressure, anterior chamber depth, corneal endothelial cell density and complications.

RESULTS: There were no significant difference on visual acuity, intraocular pressure and corneal endothelial cell density between the two groups before operations(P>0.05). The visual acuity improved significantly after operation in both groups(P<0.05). Intraocular pressure after operation decreased significantly in both groups(P<0.05). Anterior chamber depth increased significantly after operation in both groups(P<0.05). Corneal endothelial cell density decreased significantly in both groups(P<0.05). There were no significant difference on anterior chamber depth, intraocular pressure and corneal endothelial cell density between the two groups at different time point after operations(P>0.05). Posterior capsular rupture occurred in shallow anterior chamber group in 1 eye, suspensory ligament rupture in 1 eye. Posterior capsular rupture and suspensory ligament rupture occurred none in normal anterior chamber group. Postoperative corneal edema occurred in 10 eyes(26%)in shallow anterior chamber group, which occurred in 3 eyes(8%)in normal anterior chamber group. The difference on the incidence was significant(P <0.05).

CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification should be taken timely for patients with age related cataract and shallow anterior chamber. The postoperative visual acuity can be improved and the anterior chamber depth can increase. The operation is safe and effective for those patients.