AIM:To investigate the causes of low vision after cataract surgery. METHODS:During 2009-2011 740 eyes underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular les (IOL) implantation.The clinical data of 48 eyes of low vision after cataract surgery were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS:The reasons of low vision after cataract surgery: diabetic retinopathy involving the macula lutea accounted for 22.9% (11/48), high myopia retinopathy accounted for 20.8% (10/48), age-related macular degeneration accounted for 18.8% (9/48), optic atrophy accounted for 16.8% (8/48), and the other 20.8% (10/48). CONCLUSION:The main reasons of low vision after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation are retinopathy and optic neuropathy, but the operation itself still has important clinical significance.