Phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation in 23 patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma and cataract

Objective To evaluate the clinical effects of phacoemulsification(phaco) with foldable intraocular lens(IOL) implantation in the treatment of acute angle-closure glaucoma with cataract.Methods 46 cases(46 eyes) more than 50 years old and with acute angle-closure glaucoma and cataract were studied.23 eyes were subjected to phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation(the phaco group) and 23 eyes were subjected to trabeculectomy(the control group).Intraocular pressure(IOP) and chamber depth were recorded pre-and post-operation.Results In the two groups,the anterior chamber depth was increased and the IOP level was decreased.The mean IOP level in the phaco and control groups were 16.65±1.97 and 17.74±2.83 mmHg,and the mean anterior chamber depth were 3.13±0.24 and 2.31±0.31mm pre-and post-operation(P0.001).5 eyes(21.74%) in the control group had high IOP 3 months after the operations,and the difference was statistical between the two groups(P=0.025,P0.05).Also 6 eyes(26%) in the control group were subjected to phacoemulsification 6-15 months after the operations.Conclusion Phacoemulsification with foldable IOL implantation is a safe and effective method for acute angle-closure glaucoma with cataract.