To compare the treatment outcome and complications of phacotrabeculectomy and trabeculectomy in patients with glaucoma and cataracts.

The authors of the present study retrospectively reviewed the records of 56 eyes that underwent phacotrabeculectomy and trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C between March 2006 and December 2009 in patients with glaucoma and cataracts. The change of intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of glaucoma medications up to 24 months postoperatively were compared and the treatment failure rate as well as postoperative complications analyzed.

IOP and number of glaucoma medications at 24 months after surgery were similar in the 2 groups. Additionally, both groups showed a significant decrease in IOP and number of glaucoma medications after surgery. The cumulative failure rates, frequency and distribution of postoperative complications were also similar in both groups and conjunctival bleb leak was the most common complication.

Both phacotrabeculectomy and trabeculectomy showed long-term IOP reduction and a similar failure rate and complications. Therefore, both can be considered as a primary surgical treatment in patients with glaucoma and cataracts. In patients who need strict IOP control, trabeculectomy can be preferentially considered. If patients have visually significant cataracts or greater visual needs, phacotrabeculectomy can be considered.