AIM: To observe the application of anterior chamber air in avoiding hyphema after operation of small incision extracapsular cataract extraction(ECCE)and intraocular lens(IOL).

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 25 patients who were performed anterior chamber air before the finish of surgery to keep intraocular hypertension temporarily so as to avoid hyphema after operation of small incision ECCE and IOL.

RESULTS: There were 2 cases hyphema out of 25 patients. The air in the anterior chamber was absorbed in 2-5d after surgery.

CONCLUSION: The application of anterior chamber air can avoid hyphema after operation of small incision ECCE and IOL.