Combined endocyclophotocoagulation and phacoemulsification in the management of moderate glaucoma

Cataract and glaucoma are the leading causes of blindness worldwide and commonly coexist in elderly patients. Endocyclophotocoagulation is a minimally invasive approach for glaucoma management that is amenable to combination with cataract surgery. We review the literature on endocyclophotocoagulation and evaluate intraocular pressure reduction efficacy when combined with phacoemulsification. Several studies demonstrate that phacoemulsification and endocyclophotocoagulation successfully reduces intraocular pressure and decreases medication burden. Phacoemulsification and endocyclophotocoagulation has a minimal side effect profile, and risks are limited to those usual postphacoemulsification. Most importantly, phacoemulsification and endocyclophotocoagulation allow for all future procedures, including trabeculectomy or tube implantation if necessary.