Objective To evaluate the efficacy of phacoemulsification for the treatment of early primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Methods The data of 54 eyes of 47 cases of primary chronic angle-closure glaucoma from Sep. 2016 to Feb. 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A, 29 eyes of 23 cases, underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Group B, 25 eyes of 24 cases, underwent peripheral iridectomy. All patients were followed-up for 6 months. Results The preoperative intraocular pressure was (22.48±6.95) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) in group A and (22.48±6.95) mmHg in group B, the difference was not statistically significant (t=0.124, P=0.905). The intraoperative pressure of the two groups at any time points after surgery were lower than those before surgery, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). At 3 days and 6 months after surgery, the visual acuity of group A was improved, the difference were statistically significant between before and after surgery (t=-7.710, -7.012; P=0.000, 0.000). The visual acuity of group B was not changed 3 days and 6 months after surgery, the difference were not significant (t=0.184, 0.744; P=0.855, 0.460). The depth of central anterior chamber in group A after surgery was significantly deeper than that before surgery (t=-24.021, P=0.000). The peripheral anterior chamber in group A was significantly deeper than that before surgery (H=28.310, P=0.000). Conclusion Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation for the treatment of early primary angle-closure glaucoma can reduce intraocular pressure and improve visual function. Key words: Glaucoma, angle-cloure; Phacoemulsification; Iridectomy, peripheral