Preliminary observation of one-site combined trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification in the management of cataract patients with drug-controllable glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of one-site combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy in the management of cataract patients with drug-controllable glaucoma. METHODS: Twenty-four cases (25 eyes) of cataract patients with glaucoma whose intraocular pressure could be controlled by drugs were observed. All had undergone one-site combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy. Intraocular pressure and visual acuity were observed. RESULTS: The follow-up was 1-21 months. Postoperative visual acuity was 0.4-0.6 in 9 eyes, 0.7-0.9 in 7 eyes and 1.0 or better in 9 eyes. Postoperative intraocular pressure was 2.17 +/- 0.764 kPa (16.28 +/- 5.73 mmHg), 1.83 +/- 0.90 kPa (13.74 +/- 6.77 mmHg) lower than that before surgery (t = 11.89, P < 0.01). Only one eye needed one drug to control intraocular pressure after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: One-site combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy is a safe, effective and convenient technique for the management of cataract patients with drug-controllable glaucoma.