AIM: To observe the effect of phaco-EX-PRESS for refractory open-angle glaucoma with cataract.

METHODS: Totally 66 patients(67 eyes)with refractory open-angle glaucoma and cataract were selected.There were 34 eyes in the phaco-EX-PRESS and 33 eyes in the phacotrabeculectomy. Preoperative best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and intraocular pressure(IOP), intraoperative complications, operation time, postoperative BCVA and IOP, postoperative complications were observed. The follow-up time were 1d, 1wk, 1mo, 6mo and 1a.

RESULTS: The operation time in experimental group was 23.26±2.00min, while the control group was 31.73±2.17min. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(t=16.68, P<0.01). In the experimental group, superficial anterior chamber and filtering bubble scar occurred in 1 eye each. In the control group, low IOP occurred in 3 eyes, anterior chamber hemorrhage and choroid detachment in 1 eye and filtering bubble scar in 5 eyes.There was no statistically significant difference in follicular Kronfeld classification(Z=-0.775, P=0.438). Intervention factors and time in both groups had an effect on postoperative IOP. Intervention factors had no effect on postoperative visual acuity, and the difference in postoperative visual acuity between the two groups was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Phaco-EX-PRESS for the refractory open-angle glaucoma combined with cataract is safe and effective, and the operation time is shorter, so it can be used as a conventional combination surgery.