Prognostic factors in long term intraocular pressure control following combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy

We studied 36 consecutive patients who underwent combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy to determine prognostic factors associated with intraocular pressure control one year postoperatively, In patients who were either easier (intraocular pressure < 16 mmHg, n=19) or more difficult (greater than or equal to 16 mmHg, n=17) to control, the mean intraocular pressure increased up to the fourth week postoperatively. In the more difficult to control group, however, the intraocular pressure continued to increase and a statistical difference between groups was noted by the second month postoperatively (P<0.05), The peak intraocular pressure within the first month postoperatively was lower in patients easier to control long-term (P<0.005). No statistical difference between groups in the filtering bleb or anterior chamber appearance, or postoperative complications, was noted (P>0.05). This study suggests combined trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification is safe and effective in controlling intraocular pressure postoperatively, Determining from the early postoperative examination the long-term pressure control, however, is difficult.