Phacoemulsification trabeculectomy compared to other methods of combined cataract and glaucoma surgery.

Purpose: To compare three methods of combined cataract extraction and glaucoma surgery.

Methods: Retrospective review of 35 eyes of patients who had extracapsular cataract extraction and trabeculectomy using a corneoscleral incision (SAME), 54 eyes undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction and trabeculectomy using a separated corneal incision for cataract extraction and 43 eyes undergoing phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy.

Results: Ninety-one percent of the eyes in the SAME group, 85% of the SEPARATE group and 97% of the phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy group had an IOP < 22 mmHg at 6 months with or without medication (NS). Postoperative visual acuity and astigmatism were not significantly different between the groups. The number of eyes requiring YAG laser capsulotomy was significantly greater in the extracapsular cataract extraction and trabeculectomy (same and separated incision) as compared to the phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy was not significantly more successful than the other methods of combined surgery. Although complication rates were similar, visual rehabilitation was faster and there was a reduced incidence of early posterior capsule opacification.