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Abstract #6134 Published in IGR 2-2
Does head positioning influence anterior chamber depth in pseudoexfoliation syndrome?
Lanzl IM; Merté RL; Graham ADJournal of Glaucoma 2000; 9: 214-218
PURPOSE: Phacodonesis can occur in pseudoexfoliation syndrome because of impaired zonular support. This study investigated whether the increased mobility of the lens influences anterior chamber depth in patients with pseudoexfoliation while assuming a prone position. METHODS: Central anterior chamber depth was measured in 39 patients with clinically apparent unilateral pseudoexfoliation and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Patients were placed in a face-up position for five minutes, at which time anterior chamber depth and axial length were measured by A scan, and IOP was measured by Tonopen (Oculab, La Jolla, CA) in both eyes. The measurements were repeated in both eyes after five minutes in a face-down position. RESULTS: No significant differences in IOP or axial length between the prone and supine positions were found in either eye. Anterior chamber depth in eyes with pseudoexfoliation decreased from a mean of 3.08 mm in the supine position to a mean of 2.95 mm in the prone position, whereas mean anterior chamber depth in the fellow eye decreased from 3.01-2.97 mm. The decrease in anterior chamber depth when facing down in the eyes with pseudoexfoliation was significantly greater than in the fellow eyes. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with clinically apparent unilateral pseudoexfoliation, the lens seems to be more mobile in the affected eye. This results in a shallower anterior chamber when the head is placed in a prone position. Whether this fact might potentially lead to transient pupillary block when engaging in activities such as facing down while reading warrants further study.
Dr. I.M. Lanzl, Augenklinik und Poliklinik der Technischen Universität München, am Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675 München, Germany
Classification:
9.4.4.1 Exfoliation syndrome (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.4 Glaucomas associated with other ocular and systemic disorders > 9.4.4 Glaucomas associated with disorders of the lens)
