·AIM:To investigate the protective effect of huoxuehuayu decoction on macula after phacoemulsification.METHODS:Simple age-related cataract patients(130 cases 140 eyes)were divided into A,B groups.The 80 eyes of A group were treated by conventional phacoemulsification;the patients(60 eyes)of B group were given huoxuehuayu decoction orally for two courses after phacoemulsification.Best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),corneal and aqueous conditions,thickness of macular central fovea and changes of macular retinal tissue in A,B groups were observed before surgery,1 day;1 week,2,4,6,8 weeks and 3 months after surgery.RESULTS:Three months after surgery,the ratio of visual acuity ≥1.0 in group B was significantly higher than that of group A.One week after surgery the ratio of mild aqueous flare in group B was significantly lower than that of group A.The thickness of central fixation was significantly increased in both groups 1 week,2,4,6,8 weeks and 3 months after phacoemulsification;the difference between 2 to 8 weeks after surgery and pre-operation showed statistical significance in both groups.11 eyes in A group had macular edema during 2 to 6 weeks after surgery,including 9 eyes with fovea thickened and 2 eyes with cystoid macular edema,and seven eyes’ edema disappeared in 3 months.2 eyes in B group had macular edema,including 1 eye fovea thickened and 1 eye cystoid macular edema,during 4 to 6 weeks after surgery,and the two eyes’ edema disappeared 3 months after surgery.The fovea thickness in group B during 2 to 8 weeks after surgery was statistically lower than group A.CONCLUSION:Huoxuehuayu decoction orally has protective effect on macula after phacoemulsification.