Ocular biometry in occludable angles and angle closure glaucoma: a population based survey

Aim: To compare ocular biometric values in a population based sample of eyes with occludable angles, angle closure glaucoma, and normal subjects. METHOD: 2850 subjects from a population based glaucoma prevalence study underwent complete ocular examination including indentation gonioscopy. Ocular biometry was performed in all subjects classified to have occludable angles (n = 143); angle closure glaucoma (n = 22), and a random subgroup of 419 normal subjects. Ocular biometry readings between the groups were compared and statistically analysed using "t," "z," and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The mean age among subjects with occludable angles (54.43 (SD 9.53) years) and angle closure glaucoma (57.45 (8.5) years) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than normal subjects (49.95 (9.95) years). Axial length was shorter (p<0.001) in the occludable angle group (22.07 (0.69) mm) compared to the normal group (22.76 (0.78) mm). Anterior chamber depth (ACD) was shallower (p<0.001) among subjects with occludable angles (2.53 (0.26) mm) than normal subjects (3.00 (0.30) mm). Lens thickness (LT) was greater (p<0.001) in people with occludable angles (4.40 (0.53) mm) compared to normal subjects (4.31 (0.31) mm). No significant difference was noted in axial length, ACD (p = 0.451), and LT (p = 0.302) between angle closure glaucoma and occludable eyes. CONCLUSION: South Indian eyes with angle closure glaucoma and occludable angles seem to have significantly shorter axial lengths, shallower anterior chambers and greater lens thickness compared to the normal group.