AIM:To compare the operation methods and therapeutic effects of phacoemulsification and manual sutureless small-incision extracapsular cataract surgery.METHODS:One hundred and twenty-five cases(158 eyes) of cataract patients between 2009-01/2009-12 were divided into two groups,A group(80 eyes) performed phacoemulsification and B group(78 eyes) performed manual sutureless small-incision extracapsular cataract surgery,the two operations were compared in the postoperative visual acuity,astigmatism,operative and postoperative complications at 1 day,7 days,1 month and 3 months.RESULTS:There was no significant difference between two groups in postoperative visual acuity,astigmatism,operative and postoperative complications at each time points.CONCLUSION:The therapeutic effects of two kinds of operation are similar,and suitable operation should be choosed with clinical condition.