Anterior Chamber Depth Measurement as a Screening Tool for Primary Angle-closure Glaucoma in an East Asian Population

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Abstract
THE ASSOCIATION between a shallow anterior chamber and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) is well documented.1-4 The measurement of axial anterior chamber depth (ACD) may have potential in screening for PACG.3,5,6 The need for public health initiatives to combat PACG was highlighted by an estimate that half of the 67 million people suffering from primary glaucoma globally have PACG. It has been calculated that 6.7 million people worldwide have been irreversibly blinded as a consequence of glaucoma. Half of these are Asian, the majority ethnic Chinese.7 A means of detecting those at risk (people with occludable drainage angles) is a prerequisite of a prevention program. If an effective test can be identified, PACG may meet the criteria for viable population screening.8 Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy probably represents a safe and effective prophylactic treatment.9