AIM:To evaluate the effects and safety of primary phacoemulsification plus intraocular lens implantation for controlled chronic angle-closure glaucoma(CACG)and acute angle-closure glaucoma(AACG).

METHODS: Sixty-eyes of 45 cases with CACG or CACG were randomly divided into two groups. Thirty-four eyes in IOL group underwent phacoemulsification plus intraocular lens(IOL)implantation. Twenty-six eyes in laser iridotomy(LI)group included treatment by LI. Intraocular pressure(IOP), numbers of antiglaucoma medications, complications, and corneal endothelial cell counts were examined in each group.

RESULTS: In IOL group, IOP was significantly reduced from a preoperative mean of 14.82±4.23mmHg to a 6-month postoperative mean of 10.94±1.24mmHg. However, in LI group, mean preoperative IOP was 15.34±4.13mmHg, and the 6-month postoperative IOP was 14.68±4.77mmHg. There was statistical significance in preoperative and postoperative IOP between two groups(F=36.452, P<0.01). In IOL group, no patient used anti-glaucoma medications 6-month postoperatively, whereas in LI group, mean number of anti-glaucoma medications was 0.24±0.41(P<0.05). There were no significant differences in preoperative and postoperative corneal endothelial cell counts between IOL and LI groups(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Primary phacoemulsification plus intraocular lens implantation for controlled CACG or AACG seems to be a safe and effective method in reducing IOP. This procedure might become the first treatment of choice for controlled CACG or AACG with cataract.