AIM:To investigate efficacy of phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy for senile with cataract and glaucoma and to study the cause and the treatment for complications after the surgeries.

METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 35 patients(42 eyes)with cataract and glaucoma treated by phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy. Visual acuity, anterior chamber depth,the change of the intraocular pressure(IOP)were observed before and after operations. Postoperative complications were observed and treated too. Follow-ups lasted for 6～18mo.

RESULTS:Visual acuity of all patients had been improved with different degrees. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)was <0.1 in 2 eyes(5%), 0.1～0.3 in 18 eyes(43%)and >0.3 in 22 eyes(52%). The mean IOP reduced from 23.24±6.89 mmHg before operations to 16.54 ± 2.56mmHg after operations. Anterior chamber depth increased from 1.34±0.41mm to 2.81±0.53mmHg after operations. About complications, there were 14 eyes with corneal edema, 2 eyes with fibrinoid exudation, 2 eyes with anterior chamber hemorrhage; 1 eyes with shallow anterior chamber and low intraocular pressure, 2 eyes with posterior capsule opacification, 3 eyes with high IOP. After the treatment for complications, the patients were satisfied with the operation efficacy.

CONCLUSION:Phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy is safe and effective on the treatment of cataract coexisting with glaucoma, making little damage and quick healing. However, due to shallower anterior segment in glaucoma patients, phacoemulsification is difficult to performance. How to avoid the occurrence of complications and to treat them are the guarantee for successful operation.