· AIM:To study the efficacy and persistency of argon laser peripheral iridoplasty(ALPI)as a first-line treatment of acute primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG).· METHODS:Twenty-three patients with acute PACG were recruited into the study.Each patient received topical pilocarpine(10g/L),timolol(5g/L),and immediate ALPI as primary treatment.The intraocular pressures(IOPs)2 hours,1 month,6,12,24,36 months after ALPI were documented.The angle of anterior chamber were documented at each follow-up time.Dark room,prone provocative tests were done in the follow-up.· RESULTS:The mean IOP of this group patients was reduced from 69.43±8.22mmHg before ALPI to 15.74±3.09mmHg 2 hours after ALPI.Some patients had ocular hypertension in the follow-up.The anterior chamber angle was widened on goniscope and the trabecular meshwork could be visualized widely in static state after ALPI,but the anterior chamber angle was narrowed on goniscope in some other patients in the follow-up.Dark room,prone provocative tests were positive in part of patients in the follow-up.·CONCLUSION:ALPI,without adjunctive systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and hyperosmotic agents,appeared to be effective and safe in controlling the IOP in acute PACG;part of patients developed chronic angle-closure glaucoma in the 3 years follow-up.·