AIM: To compare the effect of treating cataract by sodium hyaluronate injection and lens-loop nucleus extraction of small incision cataract excision and explore more suitable method to promote the use of surgery in primary hospital.

METHODS: All 146 cataract patients(166 eyes)were allocated to two groups in random: the control group 78 patients(84 eyes)received conventional lens loop for extracapsular cataract extraction; the experiment group 68 patients(82 eyes)underwent nucleus extraction in small incision with sodium hyaluronate injection for extracapsular cataract extraction. Postoperative visual acuity and intraoperative and postoperative complications were compared between two groups.

RESULTS: Incidence of posterior capsule rupture difference was statistically significant(P<0.05)in small incision nucleus extraction with sodium hyaluronate injection compared with conventional lens loop for extracapsular cataract extraction. And there was no significant difference(P> 0.05)in postoperative visual acuity, astigmatism degree and postoperative complications compared with those of pre-operation.

CONCLUSION: Compared with the lens loop nucleus extraction, sodium hyaluronate injection for extracapsular cataract extraction can effectively protect the posterior lens capsule and can be promoted in small incision cataract surgery.