Anterior chamber alterations in fellow eyes of face-down positioned patients after pars plana vitrectomy: a prospective longitudinal study

Abstract

Purpose To compare the anterior chamber (AC) changes in fellow eyes of patients who were directed to a face-down position after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Methods The bilaterally phakic patients who had PPV, and were advised prone position due to intraocular tamponade for at least three days were included. The AC properties such as central anterior chamber depth (ACD), and ACD and anterior chamber angle (ACA) in nasal, and temporal quadrants and the intraocular pressure (IOP) were recorded at the preoperative visit, 1st-day, last day of prone position, and 1st-month visits in both eyes. Results The study included 51 eyes of 51 patients with a mean age of 60.3±13.5 years. Mean IOP had a significant increase on 1st day (Preoperative IOP 14.9±3.5 mmHg, and IOP on 1st day: 16.4±3.7 mmHg (p=0.021)). Mean ACD in all quadrants were significantly narrowed on 1st day and last face-down day (p<0.001, for all) while ACA in all quadrants were significantly narrowed similarly (p<0.001, for all parameters) compared to the preoperative period.Conclusion The face-down position in fellow eyes of PPV-operated patients may lead to significant anterior chamber narrowing resulting in IOP peaks. The patients should be carefully monitored for possible angle-closure glaucoma. This study was approved by the institutional review board (Registration Number and Date: 2021/60 and 24.02.2021).