AIM:To investigate the clinical effect of plane chopping method in small incision hard nucleus cataract surgery. ·METHODS:Hard nucleus(≥Ⅳ) small incision cataract surgery was performed with the puncture forceps and split nucleus knife. ·RESULTS:Totally 86 cases of hard nucleus cataract (≥Ⅳ) underwent the plane chopping surgery and succeeded with the 6mm incision. Visual acuity≥0.5 in 70 eye (81%) and 79 eyes (92%) in postoperative day 3 and day 7,respectively. Postoperative astigmatism degree was 0.85±0.55D. ·CONCLUSION:The puncture nucleus-forceps and plane chopping is a suitable and ideal chopping method for small incision hard nucleus cataract.