AIM:To evaluate the visual function(VF) index in patients with cataract in early stage after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation.METHODS:A total of one hundred and twenty patients were surveyed by VF-14 index and all the patients were divided into 3 groups according to the best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA) before the surgery(Group A:BCVA<4.0;Group B:BCVA between 4.0-4.5;Group C:BCVA ≥4.5).The BCVA and VF-14 score were recorded just before and one month after cataract surgery.RESULTS:The BCVA before and after the surgery and VF-14 score showed significant difference among the three groups(P<0.01).There was significant difference in VF-14 score between Group A and Group B(P<0.01).The significant difference was also found between Group A and Group C(P<0.01).However,there was no significant difference between Group B and Group C.A positive correlation was found between the BCVA and VF-14 score before surgery in three groups(rs=0.703,P<0.01).After surgery,a positive correlation was found between the BCVA and VF-14 score in three groups(rs=0.878,P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation for patients with cataract in early stage can improve the visual function quality of the patients,and thus improve their life quality.