Abstract: The advance of phacoemulsification has been making huge significant contribution to the management of glaucoma. However, management of glaucoma with coexisting cataract has raised many discussions in recent years including current treatment strategies, indications, surgical procedure, timing and outcomes. This short paper will discuss these issues. Surgical strategy of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) should be determined with an individualized approach based on the degree of peripheral anterior synechiae, the number of glaucoma medications, the opacity of lens and visual functions. Proficient operation skills are needed for choosing combined surgery. Cataract extraction should be greatly avoided during acute attack stage of PACG. The effect of cataract extraction in primary open angel glaucoma (POAG) still needs further study to clarify. For other types of glaucoma such as malignant glaucoma, aggressive lens extraction is of controversial. (Ophthalmol CHN, 2012, 21:3-6)

Key words: glaucoma/ surgery, cataract, combined surgery