AIM: To compare the effect of primary open angle glaucoma(POAG)with well-controlled drugs on the intraocular pressure(IOP)using phacoemulsification combined selective laser trabeculoplasty(phacoemulsification combined SLT)versus SLT alone.

METHODS: By a prospective clinical case control study, 24 patients(30 eyes)with POAG were randomly divided into 2 groups: eleven patients(14 eyes)were treated with phacoemulsification combined SLT and 13 patients(16 eyes)were treated with SLT alone. IOP at 3, 6, 9mo, visual acuity and glaucoma medicines at 9mo were observed postoperatively.

RESULTS: The mean IOP of both groups was significantly decreased after the surgery. IOP of phacoemulsification combined SLT had decreased markedly than SLT alone after 3, 6mo. There was statistical significance between the 2 groups(P=0.001). The numbers of glaucoma drugs were markedly decreased postoperatively than preoperatively in both groups. Statistical significance were found between the 2 groups(P=0.03).

CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that phacoemulsification with SLT and SLT can markedly reduce the IOP of POAG patients with good IOP control using drugs. The IOP-reducing effect of phacoemulsification combined SLT exceeds markedly than that of SLT alone.