To evaluate the efficacy and safety of phacoemulsification for acute angle-closure glaucoma combined with cataract. METHODS：An uncontrolled retrospective clinical study．Fifty-one eyes of 47 cases from 2006 to 2010 were acute angle-closure glaucoma combined with cataract. Phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation surgery was done after intraocular pressure was stable. The follow-up time was 1 year-3 years. RESULTS：Intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased after operation in 44 cases (48 eyes) in 47 cases (51 eyes). Preoperative IOP was 22.98±3.22mmHg, while postoperative IOP was 13.24±3.17mmHg(P<0.05). Visual acuity of 49 eyes improved significantly (P<0.05). The anterior chamber was deepened from the preoperative 1.542±0.314mm to postoperative 3.157±0.243mm (P<0.05). CONCLUSION：Phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation surgery is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of acute angle-closure glaucoma combined with cataract．A multi-center randomized controlled clinical study is needed to evaluate the long-time safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification for acute angle-closure glaucoma combined with cataract．Phacoemulsification can deepen the anterior chamber, partly reopen the closed peripheral anterior chamber angle，decrease the possibility of closure of the peripheral anterior chamber angle, make the elevated IOP drop, and improve eyesight.