Long-term results of combined glaucoma and cataract surgery. Intraocular pressure and visual acuity follow-up

Background:The aim of this investigation was to ascertain the long-term results of intraocular pressure and visual acuity after combined glaucoma and cataract surgery. Patients and methods: Between 1994 and 1997, 65 eyes underwent Pham's sclerectomy and at the same time 65 eyes underwent Elliot's trephination with scleral flap. Both procedures were combined with phacoemulsification and implantation of a posterior chamber lens. The mean follow-up was 21.9+/-11.0 months. Results: The IOP of eyes that underwent Pham's sclerectomy decreased from 21.4+/-3.3 mmHg to 14.9+/-2.7 mmHg and of eyes that underwent Elliot's trephination from 24.6+/-7.3 mmHg to 15.8+/-2.6 mmHg. Thirty percent of the eyes with Pham's sclerectomy and 25% with Elliot's trephination required an additional medication. In both procedures the overall visual acuity increased by three lines. Conclusions: These results of combined glaucoma and cataract surgery confirm their efficiency. From the economical aspect, combined glaucoma and cataract surgery has gained increasing significance.