AIM: To observe the therapeutic effects ofextracapsular cataract extraction(ECCE)by small incision with trabeculectomy in treating primary acute and chronic angle-closure glaucoma.

METHODS:Twenty-three patients(24 eyes)were acute angel-closure glaucoma with cataract, while 11 patients(12 eyes)were chronic angel-closure glaucoma with cataract. All of them were performed ECCE and IOL implantation combined with trabeculectomy.

RESULTS: Follow up for 1 month, before operation, the mean IOL of acute angel-closure glaucoma was(30.68±7.60)mmHg; after operation, IOL was(17.83±5.95)mmHg, the difference was statistically significant. Before operation, the mean IOL of chronic angel-closure glaucoma was(29.27±5.55)mmHg; after operation, IOL was(18.12±1.88)mmHg. The difference was also statistically significant. The differences of average intraocular pressure in two groups were not statistically significant. After surgery, intraocular pressure(IOP)of 26 eyes(72.3%)was under control(6-21mmHg)without anti-glaucoma drug, IOP of 8 eyes(22.2%)were kept in normal state with anti-glaucoma drug. The total effective rate amounts to 94%. while 2 eyes'(6%)intraocular pressure were still as high as 22-30mmHg even with anti-glaucoma drug. There was obvious improvement in visual acuity in 32 eyes(89%)with no serious complications.

CONCLUSION: ECCE by small incision andintraocular lens implantation combined with trabeculectomy is an effective and safe surgery technique in treating primary angle-closure glaucoma and cataract,which can effectively manage intraocular pressure and improve visual acuity with few complication. And there is no difference in IOP management between the acute and chronic angel-closure glaucoma.