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.