Objective To compare the clinical effects of different treatments for diabetic cataract (DC).

Methods A total of 175 DC patients were selected and divided into group A (88 cases) and group B (87 cases) according to the operation plan. The group A was treated with small incision extracapsular cataract extraction combined with intraocular lens implantation, while the group B was treated with phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation. The optimal corrected visual acuity, corneal dispersion and tear secretion were compared between the two groups before surgery (T₀), 14 d after surgery (T₁) and 1 month after surgery (T₂); the incidence of perioperative complications was recorded; the Chinese version of the Quality of Life Scale for People with Low vision (CLVQOL) was used to evaluate the scores of dimentions at T₀, T₁ and T₂.

Results The optimal corrected visual acuity at T₁ in the group A was significantly higher than that in the group B, the optimal corrected visual acuity and corneal astigmatism at T₂ were significantly higher than those in the group B (P < 0.05). The incidence of corneal edema in the group A was 4.55%, which was significantly lower than 14.94% in the group B (P < 0.05). The item scores and total score of CLVQOL at T₁ were significantly higher than those at T₀ (P < 0.05).

Conclusion Small incision extracapsular cataract extraction combined with intraocular lens implantation has better effect on early vision recovery and lower complication rate.