AIM:To analyze the effects and complications of small incision extracapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation or phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation for the diabetic cataract.·METHODS:Totally 52 patients 60 eyes were diagnosed with diabetic cataract from January 2006 to January 2010. Phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation:Ⅱ~Ⅲgrade nuclear were in 47 eyes,Small incision extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation:Ⅳ~Ⅴgrade nuclear were in 13 eyes.·RESULTS:The visual acuity improved were in 52 cases 60 eyes;and uncorrected visual acuity ≥ 0.4 were in 50 eyes (83%) at 1wk postoperatively. After treatment,intraoperative and postoperative complications had no effect on visual acuity.·CONCLUSION:The appropriate surgery procedure such as small incision extracapsular cataract or phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation has the positive effect for patients with diabetic cataract.