AIM: To compare the effects of phacoemulsification combined intraocular lens implantation(IOL)on exfoliation syndrome combined cataract(XFSC)with different nuclear hardness in Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.

METHODS: Totally 52 cases(53 eyes)admitted in our hospital underwent XFSC sugary from January 2012 to December 2012, including 11 eyes of nuclear hardnessⅡ, 27 eyes of nuclear hardness Ⅲ, 15 eyes of nuclear hardness Ⅳ. Phacoemulsification combined IOL was performed. The post-operative naked vision, best corrected vision acuity, complications, capsulorhexis openning of anterior capsule and the position of IOL were analyzed. Chi-square test was used as statistical methods.

RESULTS: After 3-8 months follow-up, the naked vision was ≥ 0.5 in 7 eyes with Ⅱnuclear hardness XFSC, 7 eyes with Ⅲ nuclear hardness XFSC and 3 eyes with Ⅳnuclear hardness XFSC. There was statistical significance among the 3 groups(P<0.05). The best corrected vision acuity was ≥0.8 in 8 eyes with Ⅱnuclear hardness XFSC, 9 eyes with Ⅲ nuclear hardness XFSC and 4 eyes with Ⅳnuclear hardness XFSC. Complication occurred intra-operation and post-operation in 1 eye with Ⅱnuclear hardness XFSC, 9 eyes with Ⅲ nuclear hardness XFSC and 11 eyes with Ⅳnuclear hardness XFSC. There was statistical significance among the 3 groups(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:XFSC achieves good recovery of vision acuity at the early stage and has less complication. Pre-operative careful mydriasis examination and intra-operative careful operating are the keys of successful sugary.