Results of combined trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification via tunnel incision.

Currently a cataract is usually surgically treated by phacoemulsification via tunnel incision. In cases of coexisting cataract and glaucoma a combined surgical procedure is desirable. We combine cataract and filtering surgery by simply dissecting a 1 x 1-mm piece from the inner tunnel lamella of a standard corneoscleral tunnel. The results of treatment of the first 20 eyes by the proposed combined procedure were compared with the results of traditional phacoemulsification and traditional trabeculectomy. With regard to visual acuity, combined surgery was as good as traditional phacoemulsification via tunnel incision. In terms of the regulation of intraocular pressure, combined surgery was as good as traditional trabeculectomy. As with trabeculectomy, mild early postoperative complications occur frequently, which require intensive post-operative care. Thus, the combination of trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification via tunnel incision proved to be a successful technique for the surgical treatment of combined cataract and glaucoma.