AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation combined with goniosynechialysis in the treatment of chronic angle-closure glaucoma.

METHODS: Thirty-three patients(35 eyes)with primary chronic angle-closure glaucoma and cataract were enrolled in the Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an First Hospital from May 2018 to November 2018. The best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, central anterior chamber depth, angle-opening distance at 500μm from the scleral spur, trabecular iris angle, angle closure or adhesion were compared between preoperative and postoperative 6mo.

RESULTS: The best corrected visual acuity of 34 eyes(97%)was improved after operation. 27 eyes(77%)did not need any intraocular pressure lowering drugs after operation, and the intraocular pressure was kept below 21mmHg. The average value of anterior chamber depth, angle-opening distance at 500μm from the scleral spur and trabecular iris angle(2.04±0.31mm, 0.132±0.033μm, 15.44°±3.10°)before operation were significantly lower than the postoperative mean values(3.26±0.29mm, 0.407±0.038μm, 34.26°±3.60°). The range of angle closure or adhesion decreased after operation, and the difference was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation and goniosynechialysis is an effective way to treat primary chronic angle-closure glaucoma.