AIM: To explore the factors affecting visual acuity recovery after phacoemulsification for high myopia complicated with cataract.

METHODS: From March 2015 to October 2017, 86 eyes of 70 patients with high myopia complicated with cataract were treated by phacoemulsification, and the factors affecting the visual acuity recovery after phacoemulsification for high myopia complicated with cataract were analyzed.

RESULTS: There was no correlation between posterior vitreous detachment and postoperative visual acuity recovery. Axial length, corneal astigmatism and macular disease were correlated with visual acuity recovery. Axis length, corneal astigmatism and macular disease were the risk factors affecting the outcome of surgery.

CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification can effectively improve the visual acuity of patients with high myopia complicated with cataract. Macular lesion, excessive axial length and corneal astigmatism are the three main factors affecting the poor outcome after operation.