The present study aimed to explore the clinical role of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG). Seventy-four AACG patients who were admitted to our hospital from April 2017 to April 2019 were enrolled as a study group (SG). A further 70 healthy people undergoing physical examinations during the same period were enrolled as a control group (CG). HSP70 concentration was compared between the two groups, and the clinical value of this protein in AACG was analyzed. HSP70 concentration in SG was significantly lower than that in CG (P<0.050). The sensitivity and specificity of HSP70 for diagnosing AACG were 79.73 and 74.29%, respectively (P<0.001). HSP70 concentration was positively correlated with central anterior chamber depth and peripheral anterior chamber depth, but negatively correlated with anterior angle and intraocular pressure (P<0.001). HSP70 had a relatively satisfactory predictive value for adverse reactions during the treatment (P<0.001). HSP70 concentration was markedly reduced in AACG patients, and its detection had a relatively satisfactory predictive value for AACG. Thus, HSP70 may be a potential and notable indicator for diagnosing and treating glaucoma in the future.