AIM: To compare one step macular hole and cataract surgery with two step surgery in patients with macular hole and cataract.

METHODS: In a clinical trial conducted on patients suffering from cataract with macular holes inTabriz, the effects of simultaneous surgery of macular hole and cataract performed on these patients were studied. In this study, 22 patients(Group A)were, first, undergone phacoemulsification and intraocular lens embedment, and one month later, 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy together with the retinal internal limiting membrane(ILM)removal. Twenty-one patients(Group B)were undergone simultaneous phacoemulsification, intraocular lens embedment, 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, and the retinal ILM removal.

RESULTS: Group A was comprised of 7 males and 15 females, and Group B of 9 males and 12 females(P=0.545). The mean age of patients in Group A and B were 66.63±4.75 and 67.71±4.99y, respectively(P=0.472). Three months after surgeries were performed, the macular holes of 2 patients from Group A and 5 patients from Group B were open(P=0.240). Uveitis was observed in 1 patient from Group A and 4 from Group B(P=0.185). The increase of intraocular pressure(IOP)was merely observed in 2 patients from Group B(P=0.233). Posterior capsule opacification(PCO)was observed, three months after surgeries, in 2 patients from Group A and 4 from Group B(P=0.412).

CONCLUSION: The results suggested that, no significant difference existed between patients from the two groups in terms of outcome and postoperative complications, although,Group B patients, the recipients of simultaneous surgeries, experienced more complications compared to their Group A counterparts.