Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) combined with trabeculectomy and combined phacoemulsification/trabeculectomy. Methods: The records of 46 patients (53 eyes) who underwent combined glaucoma and cataract surgery at the Santa Casa de São Paulo between January 1996 and November 1999 were reviewed. Results: After a mean follow-up of 18 months, visual acuity improved and intraocular pressure decreased in both groups after surgery (P<0.05). In the phacofiltration group 55.5% of eyes achieved intraocular pressure < 22 mmHg without medication as compared to 46.1% in the extracapsular cataract extraction/trabeculectomy group (P=0.3). Conclusion: Both techniques proved to be safe and efficacious in the treatment of glaucoma and cataract. However, the phacofiltration surgery seems to promote lower intraocular pressure without additional medication in a larger number of eyes.
Glaucoma; Cataract; Trabeculectomy; Visual acuity; Mitomycin; Combined modality therapy; Follow-up; Comparative study
