Prospective intrapatient comparison of extracapsular cataract extraction and lens implantation with and without...

To determine whether extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber lens implantation combined with trabeculectomy provides better long-term results than extracapsular cataract extraction and lens implantation alone in a group of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and cataract.

In a prospective, randomized clinical trial, 35 patients with bilateral, symmetric, primary open-angle glaucoma and visually disabling cataracts were randomly selected to undergo surgery with trabeculectomy in one eye and without in the other. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon in a private practice setting with follow-up for more than 5 years in all cases.

After an average of 87 months of follow-up, extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber lens implantation reduced intraocular pressure by 4.4 +/- 3.3 mm Hg, reduced the number of medications by 1.28 +/- 0.86, increased diopter vector of astigmatism by 1.49, and was associated with visual field loss in six of 35 eyes. After an average of 80 months of follow-up, extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber lens implantation with trabeculectomy reduced intraocular pressure by 8.2 +/- 4.6 mm Hg (P =.0001), reduced the number of medications by 1.76 +/- 0.82 (P=.0002), increased diopter vector of astigmatism by 1.14, and was associated with visual field loss in one eye (P =.05). Both groups had similar improvement in visual acuity and perioperative complications.

Extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber lens implantation with trabeculectomy was beneficial in the long-term control of intraocular pressure and in prevention of visual field loss. This procedure should be considered for patients in whom long-term pressure control at a lower level would be beneficial in preventing further optic nerve damage.