Glaucoma and intraocular lens implantation

Extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation is a viable method to rehabilitate the glaucoma patient with a cataract effectively. The success with this procedure in uncomplicated cases is translated into excellent results in the glaucomatous eye. This paper reports the results of extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in four groups of glaucoma patients: (1) chronic open-angle glaucoma; (2) angle-closure glaucoma; (3) after argon laser trabeculoplasty; (4) after filtering procedures. The visual acuity after this surgical procedure improved to 20/40 or better in 86% of patients. Intraocular pressure was controlled in all groups at a level approaching the preoperative value. Ninety percent were controlled with equal or less medication than that used preoperatively. There has been no significant progression of optic nerve cupping or visual field loss.