AIM:To evaluate and compare outcomes between phacoemulsification combined with goniosynechialysis and trabeculectomy in the management of primary acute angle-closure glaucoma.METHODS:This study was a prospective observational series of fifty-eight eyes of fifty-eight patients.There were twenty-nine eyes in each group.Group A were treated with phacoemulsification combined with goniosynechialysis after the intraocular pressure(IOP)was controlled;group B were treated with trabeculectomy after appropriate medical treatment.Best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),central anterior chamber depth,grading of chamber angle,and IOP were measured preoperatively and at day 1,day 3,month 1,month 3,month 6 and month 12 postoperatively.RESULTS:There were statistically significant differences in BCVA 1 month and 6 months postoperatively(higher than in group A).1 month postoperatively anterior chamber angles in group A were wider than that in group B.There were no statistically significant differences in IOP preoperatively and 1 month,3,6 months postoperatively between the two groups.Statistically significant differences were observed in IOP 1 day,3 days postoperatively between the two groups.All of IOP in both groups were less than 21mmHg.CONCLUSION:Phacoemulsification combined with goniosynechialysis may be an effective treatment option for primary angle-closure glaucoma responsive to medical therapy.