AIM:To compare the macular edema (ME) and visual outcome after cataract surgery in eyes with diabetic retinopathy with normal eyes. METHODS:Thirty-three patients with type-2 diabetes and 30 controls were enrolled. Visual acuity and fundus were examined preoperation, and at postoperative 7 days, 6 weeks and 6 months. Fluorescein fundus angiography(FFA) was performed preoperation and at postoperative 6 weeks. Postoperative ME and visual recovery in two groups were observed. RESULTS:There was no statistically significant difference in visual acuity between preoperative and postoperative 7 days or 6 months, but at 6 weeks there was a significant difference with lower VA in the diabetic group. 7% of control and 16% of diabetic eyes developed clinical cystoid macular edema (CME). Incidence of fluorescein angiography (FA) leakage was 21% in control and 75% in diabetic eyes. There was no significant difference in visual acuity at postoperative 6 months between two groups, and ME recovered. CONCLUSION:The final visual outcome in eyes with mild to moderate retinopathy is as good as in normal eyes, but an increased frequency of macular changes may protract recovery of full vision. For this kind of CME, generally no treatment is needed, they can recover by themselves.