AIM:To evaluate the clinical effects and opportunity of anterior chamber penetration for treating the sudden attack of acute angle-closure glaucoma. ·METHODS:Anterior chamber penetration by using 15° acupuncture knife was performed on thirty patients with the sudden attack of acute angle-closure glaucoma after topical anaesthetic. The mean intraocular pressure(IOP) was over 60mmHg(1kPa=7.5mmHg) before the penetration.·RESULTS:The mean postoperative IOP was 16mmHg as soon as the penetration was finished and the visual acuity was improved in all patients,of which above 0.3 were in 12 eyes,0.1-0.3 in 10 eyes,below 0.1 in 8 eyes.The IOP was increased again after 5-8 hours in 3 eyes.None of the patients felt painful during the operation and no complications occurred. ·CONCLUSION:Anterior chamber penetration using acupuncture knife is one kind of effective,safe and simple method for treating the sudden attack of acute angle-closure glaucoma.