Objective   To study the safety and effectiveness of anterior chamber paracentesis

combined with antiglaucomatous medications

in the intraocular pressure control and relief of symptoms of acute primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).     Methods   Totally 327 patients with first attack of acute PACG who were admitted in our hospital during July 2000 and October 2006 were collected in this study

and were divided into 2 groups according to whether receiving anterior chamber paracentesis or not (paracentesis group and control). Their clinical data such as sex

age

intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual acuity before hospitalization

types and times of administration of IOP drugs before and after operation

preparative time for operation and postoperative complications were retrospectively analyzed.     Results   There were 94 out of 327 patients receiving anterior chamber paracentesis

who had faster intraocular pressure control (2.37±1.63 d vs 2.75±2.01 d)

and lesser types and dosages and shorter times of IOP drugs

shorter therapeutic time after paracentesis

shorter time to prepare operation

lesser postoperative complications [shallow anterior chamber

12 cases (12.77%) vs 57 cases (24.46%)] and better visual acuity than control. Anterior chamber paracentesis more than one time didn’t increase the risk of complications.    Conclusion   Anterior chamber paracentesis is safe and effective in controlling the intraocular pressure and eliminating symptoms in acute PACG.