AIM: To investigate the causative factors of low vision after small incision cataract surgery.

METHODS: A retrospective study was made of 291 cataract patients(291 eyes)who received small incision cataract surgery combined with intraocular lens implantation from July 2011 to July 2012. Best corrected vision lower than 0.3 was diagnosed as low vision, and its causes were analyzed.

RESULTS: After surgery, low vision was diagnosed in 49 eyes. Of these cases, 17(34.7%)were due to surgical complications and 32(65.3%)were due to preoperative conditions, including age-related macular degeneration(8 eyes), diabetic retinopathy(14 eyes), high myopia(6 eyes)and other diseases(4 eyes).

CONCLUSION: In our study, presence of diseased conditions before surgery is the most important cause of low vision after small incision cataract surgery. Close examination before surgery can improve the predictability of the surgery.