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Anterior chamber depth assessment
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Before examining the angle configuration, the Van Chgrik Schaffer method is used to assess the depth of the anterior chamber. The assessment is performed during examination of the patient using a slit lamp. The cornea is perpendicularly illuminated with the thinnest possible beam of light near the limbus from the temporal side (creating an optical section) and examined at an angle of 50-60° to the illumination axis. To assess the depth of the anterior chamber, the ratio between the iridocorneal distance and the thickness of the cornea is important. If the value of this distance is more than 50% of the thickness of the cornea, then it is most likely that the anterior chamber is deep, with a wide angle configuration, but if the distance is less than 50% of the thickness of the cornea, then a narrow angle can be assumed.
The magnitude of the angle can be estimated as follows:
- Grade 0 (closed) the iris is adjacent to the corneal endothelium.
- Grade I - the space between the iris and the cornea is less than 25% of the thickness of the cornea.
- Grade II - the space between the iris and the cornea is 25% of the thickness of the cornea.
- Grade III - the space between the iris and the cornea is 25-50% of the thickness of the cornea.
- Grade IV: The space between the iris and the cornea is more than 50% of the corneal thickness.
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 cloudy corneas.
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