AIM: To research the practicability of manual small incision cataract surgery(MSICS).

METHODS: Three hundred and six eyes age-related cataract were taken MSICS and 306 eyes received phacoemulsification(Phaco group). Visual acuity, the refractive and the loss ratio of cornea endothelia cells were observed and compared after surgery.

RESULTS: Uncorrected visual acuity of 33 eyes(10.78%)and 76 eyes(24.84%)was >1.0 in 7d and 3mo after MSICS. The loss ratio of cornea endothelia cells was 8.7%, The recursive of corneal astigmatism was on average 0.75D compared with preoperation. Uncorrected visual acuity of 63 eyes(20.59%)and 92 eyes(30.07%)was >1.0 in 7d and 3mo after phacoemulsification. The loss ratio of cornea endothelia cells was 21.67%. The average corneal astigmatism was -0.5DC and -0.45DC in MSICS group and Phaco group respectively, but 3mo after surgery, there was no significant difference on corneal astigmatism between the two groups(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Due to the use of Phaco machine, the cost is higher in Phaco group, and the Phaco mechanical stimulation, injury, ultrasonic energy and perfusion solutions have effects on corneal endothelium, visual acuity recovery at early postoperative is slow. However, MSICS dose not use Phaco machine, works by hands, the cost is lower, and visual acuity recovery at early postoperative is faster.