AIM:To study the safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in early primary angle-closure glaucoma with cataract. METHODS:Early primary angle-closure glaucoma patients with cataract were divided into two groups randomly, one group was treated with laser peripheral iridotomy, the other group was treated with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Intraocular pressure and eye sight were compared after surgery, the follow-up was 3 months. RESULTS:Both groups could have results of deeper peripheral anterior chamber and wider anterior chamber angle in different extend, however, patients in laser group didnt have their eyesight improved, patients in phaco group had obvious eye sight improvement, and anterior chamber angle widened in all the patients, some peripheral angle synechia reopened after surgery. CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation is safe in early primary angle-closure glaucoma with cataract, is equally effective in plateau iris configuration, and can improve eyesight at the same time.