Purpose: to evaluate the efficacy of phaco-trabeculectomy in pazients with cataract and glaucoma.
Methods: 61 eyes (55 patients) (74.6 + 5.5 years, range 88 – 61) with controlled and uncontrolled open angle glaucoma underwent a surgical treatment (phaco-trabeculectomy) between 1/7/1995 and 1/7/2000. Visual acuity, IOP measurements, slit lamp examinations were performed before surgery and postoperatively at day 1, 7, 30 and 60.
Results: The mean preoperative IOP was 23 + 8.2 mm. Hg. The mean postoperative IOP was 14.7 + 2.6 mm. Hg. 13 eyes we restarted medical therapy after surgery The following complications were noted: choroidal effusion (3 cases), Hyphema (2 cases), inflammatory reaction (5 cases).
Conclusion: phaco-trabeculectomy is a safe surgical technique for patients affected by cataract and glaucoma. In this period we are moving to deep sclerectomy, but we think that phaco-trabeculectomy may be the first choice in selected cases.