AIM: To investigate the clinical effect and indication of phacoemulsification combined with lysis of the synechiae in the management of chronic angle-closure glaucoma with cataract.

METHODS: The 32 patients were treated by phacoemulsification combined with lysis of the synechiae. The preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure, visual acuity, anterior chamber depth, configuration of anterior chamber were compared; the postoperative complications were observed.

RESULTS: The mean postoperative follow-up duration was 6 months to 2 years. The best-corrected visual acuity was improved in all eyes. The intraocular pressure was reduced from15.2±8.1mmHg to 11.2±5.0mmHg, the difference had statistical significance(t=3.126, P<0.01). The central anterior chamber deepened from 2.22±0.39mm preoperatively to 3.36±0.43mm postoperatively, the difference had statistical significance(t=-14.371, P<0.001). The chamber adhesion range reduced. The serious complications did not happened.

CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification combined with goniosynechialysis is an effective and safe treatment for primary chronic angle-close glaucoma with cataract.