[Combined operation: cataract and glaucoma with implantation. Results of a series of 28 cases]

28 eyes underwent a combined procedure: trabeculectomy, extra-capsular cataract extraction and implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens. With a minimum of 9 months follow-up, 23 eyes had intraocular pressure controlled of all antiglaucoma medications, and 4 additional eyes achieved control with only the use of timolol maleate drops. (1 eye was lost to follow-up.) Preoperative near visual acuity was less than Parinaud 5 (Jaeger 7) in all eyes. Post-operative near visual acuity was Parinaud 2 (Jaeger 1) in 17 eyes. Senile macular degeneration was responsible for less than Parinaud 2 visual acuity in 4 additional eyes. An extracapsular extraction has advantages over the intracapsular method, both in terms of less post-operative vitreoretinal complications for the cataract extraction itself, and for the creation of a functional trabeculectomy by keeping the vitreous away from the filtration site. Use of a posterior chamber intraocular lens implant as part of the combined procedure appears to be highly acceptable. Complications and limits of the combined procedure are discussed.