[The contribution of phacoemulsification to combined cataract and glaucoma surgery].

OBJECTIVE

To study the safety and effectiveness of phacoemulsification (phaco) in trabeculectomy combined with cataract extraction (phacotrabeculectomy) and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

METHODS

68 eyes with glaucoma and cataract were randomly divided into two groups: the phacotrabeculectomy with IOL implantation and modern extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), trabeculectomy and IOL implantation.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, in the phaco group, the intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased obviously at the early stage (P < 0.05), the number of cases necessary for the use of anti-glaucoma drug was decreased, the mean kinds of the drug applied were markedly decreased (P < 0.05), the visual acuity improved quickly, significantly and steadily, and the complications were less than that in the ECCE group.

CONCLUSIONS

The phaco's triple surgery is safe and effective. In cases with glaucoma and cataract, the surgery is indicated even when the cataract is not mature or premature.