Clinical investigation of lens phacoemulsification for the treatment of acute angle-closure glaucoma coexisting with cataract after laser peripheral iridectomy

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation operation after laser peripheral iridectomy for the treatment of the initial attack of acute angle-closure glaucoma.Methods This retrospective study was?conducted?in 16 patients (16 eyes) of acute angle-closure glaucoma coexisting with cataract,who underwent the combined surgery of laser peripheral iridectomy and phacoemulsification with posterior chamber IOL implantation from September 2005 to March 2007.Visual acuity,peripheral anterior chamber depth and intraocular pressure (IOP) of anterior chamber angle in pre- and post-operation were observed.Cases were followed up for 4 -12months (9.4 months on average).Results Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and peripheral anterior chamber depth of all cases were much better than that of preoperation.The anterior chambers completely opened and lOP were controlled without any drug in the normal range (14.24 mmHg on average).But there were some corneal edema in 3 eyes ,fiber-exudation of anterior chamber in 2 eyes and no shallow anterior chamber and after-cataract in the early postoperatien.Conclusion Application of phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation operation after laser peripheral iridectomy can be effective in the treatment of acute angle-closure glaucoma coexisting with cataract,and it has advantages of quick recovery of visual acuity,good control of IOP and low complications in postoperation.The method can be used as the initial treatment of acute angle-closure glaucoma. Key words: Laser peripheral iridectomy ; Phacoemulsification ; Intraocular lens (IOL) ; Acute angle-closure glaucoma ; Cataract ;