AIM: To compare the ocular surface changes of one-site versus two-site phacotrabeculectomy in angle-closure glaucoma associated with cataract.

METHODS: This retrospective, randomized study included 52 patients(52 eyes)with coexisting angle-closure glaucoma and cataract. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: one group had the phacotrabeculectomy in the superior quadrant through the same incision(one-site group; n=26), while the other group had the trabeculectomy through a superior quadrant incision, and the phacoemulsification through another separate, temporal, clear corneal incision(two-site group; n=26). In each group, the values such as tear break-up time(BUT), Schirmer I test(SⅠt), and corneal fluoresce(FL)in staining score were measured at 1d, 1wk, 1mo and 3mo postoperatively.

RESULTS: All patients were operated under local anesthesia and followed up for 3mo. The SⅠt of two-site group and one-site group 1wk and 1mo postoperatively were significantly shorter than those before the operation(P<0.01). The SⅠt of two-site group were significantly shorter than those of one-site group 1wk and 1mo postoperatively(P<0.05). The FL scores of two-site group were significantly higher than those of one-site group 1wk postoperatively(P<0.05). However, 1mo postoperatively, the FL scores of two groups were basically equal(P>0.05). Three months postoperatively,the BUT, SⅠt and FL were basically equal to the preoperative level(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Phacotrabeculectomy through two incisions is more likely to affect the ocular surface, and those abnormal related values appear in the early 1mo postoperatively.