outcomes of phacoemulsification and pciol implantation in patients with chronic angle closure glaucoma

purpose: to evaluate the outcomes of cataract extraction by phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (pciol) implantation in patients with chronic angle closure glaucoma (cacg). methods: consecutive cacg patients with co-existing visually significant cataracts were included in this noncomparative interventional case series. after obtaining informed consent, clear cornea phaco-emulsification and foldable pciol implantation was performed. patiens were followed for at least six months. outcome measures included intraocular pressure (iop), number of glaucoma medications and visual acuity. results: twenty-three eyes of 23 patients with cacg including 14 male and 9 female subjects were evaluated. mean age was 67.9±7.3 (range 55- 80) years. mean number of glaucoma medications was 1.87±0.81 preoperatively and was reduced to 0.87±1.05 postoperatively (p=0.01). all patients used glaucoma medications before surgery, however 11 patients (47.8%) did not need any glaucoma medications at final follow-up. iop was decreased from a mean preoperative level of 16.78±3.64 mmhg to 14.08±2.29 mmhg at final follow up (p= 0.008). mean preoperative visual acuity was 1.01±0.32 logmar which improved to 0.37±0.43 logmar at final follow up (p= 0.001). conclusion: in cacg patients with co-existing cataracts, phacoemulsification and pciol implantation can significantly reduce iop and requirement for glaucoma mediations.