AIM:To evaluate the effect of vision improvement induced by phacoemulsification on physical and cognitive function in aged adults. METHODS:A total of 64 cases with age-related cataract were enrolled in this study.Phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation was performed on 40 cases and the others who were eligible for but declined cataract surgery were allocated to a control group. Physical function was assessed using functional independence measure (FIM), survey of activities and fear of falling (SAFE) measure at baseline and 6 months after surgery. The mini mental state exam (MMSE) was also administered for cognitive function assessment. RESULTS:Significant difference existed within or between groups from baseline to follow-up on either of the measures of physical function. MMSE scores declined in both groups postoperatively.Significant difference was observed in the control group but not in the cataract surgery group. CONCLUSION:Vision enhancement induced by phacoemulsification leads to improvement in physical function but not in cognitive function.