AIM:To evaluate the examination of visual electroph-ysiology for the prognosis of cataract before phacoemulsification.METHODS:All of 253 cataract patients whose fundus was unclear by direct ophthalmoscope or binocular indirective ophthalmoscope underwent phacoemulsification in our hospital from Jan.2009 to Oct.2010.Retina and optic nerve were preoperatively examined by visual electrophysiology to estimate the prognosis of cataract.RESULTS:The examination of visual electrophysiology showed the prognosis was poor in 47 cases.Phacoemulsification was performed in 37 cases,including 35 cases with poor prognosis(the increase of visual acuity postoperatively≤2),2 cases with well prognosis(the increase of visual acuity postoperatively>2),10 cases gave up the surgery.206 cases had well prognosis through examination and 201 cases underwent phacoemulsification.199 cases had well prognosis(the increase of visual acuity postoperatively>2),poor prognosis in 2 cases(the increase of visual acuity postoperatively≤2),5 cases couldn’t undergo surgery for systemic diseases.CONCLUSION:The examination of visual electrophysiology on retina and optic nerve before phacoemulsification have good predictability in the prognosis of cataract.