AIM: To evaluate the effect of polylactic acid membrane(PLA)implantation combined with trabeculectony on primary angle-closed glaucoma.

METHODS: Totally, 41 patients(47 eyes)with primary angle-closed glaucoma were randomly divided into 2 groups. PLA implantation combined with trabeculectony was performed for the experimental group while trabeculectony for the control group. Cases were followed up for 6 months postoperatively, with observation and comparative analysis on visual acuity(VA), intraocular pressure(IOP), filtering bleb and anterior chamber depth.

RESULTS: In the experimental group,6 months after the surgery, VA was improved to different degrees and IOP reduced greatly. According to comparison between the two groups, the differences were of statistic significance(P<0.05). The rate of functional filtering bleb in the experimental group(88.0%)was much higher than that of the control group(59.1%, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: PLA implantation combined with trabeculectomy for the treatment of primary angle-closed glaucoma is simple, safe and effective.