AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation(PEI)combined with goniosynechialysis(GSL)and goniotomy(GT)under direct vision with gonioscope in the treatment of advanced primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG)combined with cataract.

METHODS: Retrospective case series study. A total of 62 patients(65 eyes)with advanced PACG combined with cataract who were treated in the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University from December 1, 2021 to March 31, 2023 were enrolled, and they were divided into two groups according to different surgical methods. The control group(32 cases, 33 eyes)received PEI+GSL, whereas the observation group(30 cases, 32 eyes)received PEI+GSL+GT. The intraocular pressure(IOP), best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and the number of anti-glaucoma medications of the two groups before surgery and at 1 d, 1 wk, 1, 3, and 6 mo after surgery were evaluated. In addition, the visual field, cup-to-disc ratio(C/D), angle open range, anterior chamber depth, and average thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL)were evaluated before and 6 mo after surgery.

RESULTS: There were significant differences in IOP and lowering range of average IOP at 6 mo between the PEI+GSL+GT group(16.68±2.65, 11.12±8.53 mmHg)and the PEI+GSL group(18.71±2.51, 8.32±4.17 mmHg; P<0.05), and there was no difference in the rate of IOP reduction(44.57%±21.79% and 35.20%±17.94%, P>0.05). The number of anti-glaucoma medications, BCVA, anterior chamber depth, and angle closure range were improved in the two groups at 6 mo after operation(all P<0.01). The number of medication reductions and the range of angle opening at 6 mo after surgery in the PEI+GSL+GT group were significantly higher than those in the PEI+GSL group(P<0.05), and there was no difference in the other indicators between the two groups(all P>0.05). There was no difference in the mean deviation of visual field, C/D and average thickness of RNFL between the two groups at 6 mo after operation compared with those before operation(all P>0.05). The complete surgery success rate of the PEI+GSL+GT group was 81%(26/32), and the conditional success rate was 94%(30/32); while those rates of the PEI+GSL group were 58%(19/33)and 76%(25/33), respectively. There were statistical significance in the success rate of surgery between the two groups(complete success rate χ²=4.275, P=0.039; conditional success rate χ²=4.040, P=0.044). No vision-threatening complications and another surgery occurred in either group.

CONCLUSION: The study showed that for patients with advanced PACG with cataract, PEI+GSL+GT is more effective than PEI+GSL.