Combined trabeculectomy, cataract extraction, and foldable lens implantation

The efficacy of foldable silicone intraocular lenses in combined glaucoma/cataract surgery was retrospectively analyzed in 19 consecutive operations. Preoperatively all patients were receiving medical treatment for glaucoma; 21% had intraocular pressures above 21 mm Hg despite the medical therapy. Postoperatively, reduction of intraocular pressure to 21 mm Hg or less was achieved in 84% of eyes, with 58% requiring no antiglaucoma medications. Mean improvement of Snellen visual acuity was 4.9 lines; 84% of eyes achieved a final acuity of 20/40 or better. Median follow-up was 59 weeks (range 25 to 88 weeks). Thirteen eyes (68%) had a filtration bleb present when last examined. These preliminary results suggest that foldable silicone IOLs are an effective alternative to poly(methyl methacrylate) lenses in combined glaucoma/cataract surgery.