Medical expert of the article

Ophthalmologist, ocular surgeon

New publications

Evaluation of the depth of the anterior chamber

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Before investigating the angle configuration, the Van Chrik Schaffer method is used to estimate the depth of the anterior chamber. Evaluation is carried out when the patient is examined using a slit lamp. The cornea is perpendicularly illuminated with the smallest light beam near the limb from the temporal side (creating an optical cut) and viewed at an angle of 50-60 ° to the axis of illumination. To assess the depth of the anterior chamber, the relationship between the irido-corneal distance and the thickness of the cornea is important. If the distance is more than 50% of the thickness of the cornea, it is most likely that the anterior chamber is deep, with a wide angle configuration; if the distance is less than 50% of the thickness of the cornea, a narrow angle can be assumed.

The value of the angle can be estimated as follows:

The degree of 0 (closed) iris adjoins the endothelium of the cornea.
Degree I - the space between the iris and the cornea is less than 25% of the thickness of the cornea.
Degree II - the space between the iris and the cornea is 25% of the thickness of the cornea.
Degree III - the space between the iris and the cornea is 25-50% of the thickness of the cornea.
The degree of IV between the iris and the cornea is more than 50% of the thickness of the cornea.

This technique does not replace gonioscopy, but it is very useful for assessing the depth of the anterior chamber, especially in patients with opaque or turbid cornea.

trusted-source [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15]

Translation Disclaimer: For the convenience of users of the iLive portal this article has been translated into the current language, but has not yet been verified by a native speaker who has the necessary qualifications for this. In this regard, we warn you that the translation of this article may be incorrect, may contain lexical, syntactic and grammatical errors.