AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of paracentesis of anterior chamber to treat acute angle-closure glaucoma which couldn't controlled by drugs and with persistent ocular hypertension.

METHODS: A retrospective study in the past 3 years, 48 patients(53 eyes)with acute angle-closure glaucoma were received puncture of anterior chamber when the medicine therapy couldn't lower intraocular pressure. Postoperative IOP, visions and complications were observed.

RESULTS: IOP was controled normal in 29 eyes(54.7%), IOP: 22mmHg-30mmHg in 6 eyes(11.3%), IOP> 30mmHg in 18 eyes(34.0%). Visual acuity improved significantly. Complications were shallow anterior chamber(100%), incarcerated iris(20.8%), hyphema(7.5%).

CONCLUSION: When drugs cannot control the IOP in acute angle-closure glaucoma acute exacerbation, anterior chamber paracentesis is a safe and effective in IOP control and good for further surgery.