AIM: To investigate the advantage of burst mode of phacoemulsification for rural hard nucleus cataract.

METHODS: Totally 162 eyes(162 cases)were randomly divided into small incision cataract extraction(SICE)group and burst group. Actual phaco-emulsification(Phaco)power, Phaco time, visual acuity, corneal edema and other complications were recorded.

RESULTS: Visual acuity was significant improved in both two groups postoperatively. But the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P <0.05)and visual acuity recovery was faster in burst group than in SICE group. In comparison of the astigmatism between the burst group and SICE group, the difference was significant(P <0.05)in early stage. The actual Phaco power in burst group was(16.2±5.4)% and Phaco time was(42.8±6.1)s econds. Serious corneal edema occurred more frequently in SICE group(69 eyes)than that in the burst mode group(12 eyes), 6 eyes suffered posterior capsular rupture in SICE group.

CONCLUSION: Burst Phaco mode reduced Phaco time and actual Phaco power consumed during phacoemulsification and reduced corneal edema and surgery complications in hard nucleus cataract surgery. It is an effective measure for hard nucleus cataract for better postoperative visual acuity and shorten recovery time.