Evaluation of the vitreous chamber depth: An assessment of correlation with ocular biometrics

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The mechanism of ocular growth eludes us and research on vitreous chamber depth (VCD) is lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of VCD and its ratio to axial length (AL) in relation to ocular biometry. Methods: This retrospective study of patients planned for cataract surgery was performed at a tertiary center. Data regarding AL, anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), and central corneal thickness (CCT) of 640 eyes was noted. Anterior segment (AS) was measured as sum of CCT, ACD, and LT, while VCD was calculated as the difference between AL and AS. Correlation of VCD and VCD AL with ocular biometry was the primary outcome measure. Three groups were formed on the basis of AL and Pearson correlation coefficient (R) was applied. Results: Mean VCD was 15.38+/?1.14 mm. Mean VCD AL was 0.66+/?0.02. VCD had a very strong relation with AL (R = 0.9, P < 0.001) only, whereas VCD AL had a good--strong relation with AL (R = 0.5, P < 0.001), AS (R = 0.7, P < 0.001), ACD (R = 0.3, P < 0.001), and LT (R = 0.5, P < 0.001). The relation of VCD AL with AS was very strong across all groups (R ? -0.8, P < 0.001 in all groups). 85% of eyes in group with AL <22 mm had VCD AL <0.67, conversely 85% of eyes with AL >24.5 mm had VCD AL >0.67. Conclusion: We found VCD to have the strongest relation with AL. VCD AL was more consistent and showed a strong relation to ocular biometry across all ALs. This suggests the possible utility of the ratio VCD AL while evaluating ocular growth, refractive status, and myopia-related complications.