AIM: To compare the clinical effects of two operative methods on the Ⅳ grade hard nucleus cataract.

METHODS: Totally 150 eyes with cataract above the IV grade hard-core were divided into non-phacoemusification minimal-incision cataract surgery group(74 eyes)and phacoemulisification group(76 eyes). Nuclear processing time, operating complications and postoperative complications, visual acuity of the two graoups were compared.

RESULTS: There were significant difference between the non-phacoemusification minimal-incision cataract surgery group and the phacoemulsification group in nuclear processing time, operating complications(iris damage and posterior capsule rupture), postoperative complications(corneal and anterior chamber reaction),and early vision(P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in late vision(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Non-phacoemusification minimal-incision cataract surgery is better than phacoemulsification and it is an ideal method for treating above IV grade hard nucleus cataract.