AIM: To study the clinical effectiveness of trabeculectomy combined with small incision extracapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens(IOL)implantation for the treatment of primary open angle glaucoma coexisting with cataract.

METHODS: A total of 34 eyes of 34 patients with primary open angle glaucoma and cataract had trabeculectomy combined with small incision extracapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation from January 2011 to January 2013. The postoperative visual acuity, intraocular pressure(IOP), filtering bleb and complications were observed.

RESULTS: The follow up duration was 6-24 months. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)was 0.1～<0.3 in 4 eyes(12%)and 0.3～1.0 in 30 eyes(88%). The postoperative IOP was 14.7±0.8mmHg at postoperative month 6. The functional filtering blebs were presented in 34 eyes in the first week and 28 eyes after 6 weeks, the filtering blebs were not obvious in 4 eyes, and encapsulated filtering blebs were presented in 2 eyes. Postoperative complications included corneal edema in 12 eyes(35%), fibrous exudates in 5 eyes(15%), shallow anterior chamber in 6 eyes(18%)and after cataract in 6 eyes(18%).

CONCLUSION: Trabeculectomy combined with small incision extracapsular cataract extraction and IOL implantation are effective as an initial surgical treatment for open angle glaucoma patients coexisting with cataract.