[Glaucoma and cataract]

Abstract

The coincidence of cataract and glaucoma is increasing due to population development. Trabeculectomy is still the most commonly used procedure in combined glaucoma-cataract surgery. However, a two-step approach, starting with cataract surgery should be preferred to minimize the risk of secondary filtering bleb scarring. Postoperative fibrin exudation and the complication rate are more pronounced after combined trabeculectomy compared to combined trabeculotomy and non-penetrating glaucoma surgery. Canaloplasty is a new innovative non-penetrating glaucoma procedure. The results after canaloplasty show an even lower intraocular pressure (IOP) after combined procedures compared to canaloplasty alone. Long-term results have to confirm a sustained decrease of IOP. Surgery of the chamber angle combined with cataract surgery has hardly any complications and preserves the conjunctiva. It also allows medication to be saved and more invasive surgery to be postponed.