Impact of Anterior Chamber Depth on Post–Yag Laser Capsulotomy Macular Edema (Published)
Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common long-term complication after phacoemulsification cataract surgery, often impairing visual function. This study aimed to assess the correlation between anterior chamber depth measured by anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT) and macular thickness changes evaluated by macular OCT following YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. A prospective comparative design was used, including 40 eyes of 40 patients: 20 with PCO who underwent YAG capsulotomy and 20 post-phacoemulsification controls without PCO. Visual and biometric parameters were evaluated before and after intervention. Significant improvements in best-corrected visual acuity and refractive measures were observed after capsulotomy (p < 0.001), with continued enhancement during follow-up. A modest but significant reduction in axial length was also noted (p < 0.05). Findings suggest that capsulotomy-related disruption of the blood–aqueous barrier may trigger inflammatory macular changes associated with alterations in anterior chamber depth. Routine prophylactic therapy appears unnecessary.
Keywords: Anterior Chamber Depth, Macular Edema, Posterior Capsule Opacification, YAG Laser