AIM: To compare the visual and optical performance of eyes with different corneal spherical aberration (SA) implanted with spherical aberration-free intraocular lens (IOLs). METHODS: Thirty-six patients with different corneal SA had phacoemulsification with implantation of spherical aberration-free IOLs. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the value of preoperative corneal SA. Eyes with corneal SA <0.10μm were assigned to group A, those with 0.10 ≤corneal SA <0.20μm to Group B, and those with 0.20≤ corneal SA <0.35μm to Group C. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity, corneal SA, total ocular aberrations, and depth of focus were recorded 3 months postoperatively. Distance-corrected near and intermediate visual acuity was studied to measure depth of focus. RESULTS: BCVA and contrast sensitivity were similar between groups. There were no significant differences in distance-corrected near or intermediate visual acuity. Corneal SA was similar before and 3 months after surgery in the 3 groups. With a 5.0mm pupil diameter, root mean square values for total ocular higher-order aberrations (HOAs) were lower in groups A and B than in group C. Total ocular SA was lower in group A than in groups B and C. SA was also lower in group B than in group C. Coma and trefoil were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: Implantation of spherical aberration-free IOLs in eyes with different corneal SA results in similar visual performance at BCVA, contrast sensitivity and depth of focus.