Measurement of change in angle kappa and its correlation with ocular biometric parameters pre- and post-phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: Angle kappa has been considered to play a role in causing glare and haloes despite accurate centration during implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses following phacoemulsification. There is a lack of substantial data regarding whether angle kappa is a constant entity or changes following ocular surgical procedures. To answer this question, in this prospective observational study, we measured change in angle kappa following phacoemulsification, and studied the ocular biometric parameters correlating with this change. METHODS: Angle kappa was measured objectively using synoptophore. Ocular Biometric parameters (Anterior Chamber Depth, Corneal White-to-White measurement, Lens Thickness, and Axial Length) using LenStar LS 900 Haag Streit Anterior Segment imaging system. outcome measures were a quantitative change in angle kappa from the preoperative value by one degree or more and observation of correlation between change in angle kappa and ocular biometric parameters. The Wilcoxin Signed Rank Test was used to determine the difference between pre-operative and post-operative measurements for angle kappa. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was employed to find the relationship between preoperative ocular biometric parameters and a change in angle kappa. A linear regression model was used to derive an equation considering corneal white-to-white measurement as the predictor and change in angle kappa as the outcome measure. RESULTS: A significant change in angle kappa was recorded, and a significant correlation was found with corneal white to white measurements. This change could be predicted preoperatively, for a known corneal white to white measurement using the standard equation y=mx+c. CONCLUSION: This study explains the possible cause of dissatisfaction among seemingly ideal patients who undergo multifocal IOL implantation and the potential for better decision-making during patient selection for multifocal IOL implantation.