AIM: Evaluation of complications during the learning period of phacoemulsifications with clear-corneal incision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of the 100 first cases with a follow-up of 3 to 24 months. RESULTS: During operation, 5 (5%) cases (one 180 degrees dialysis, 4 broken posterior capsules) presented with a significant complication needing anterior vitrectomy. Eight corneal tunnels were sutured at the end of surgery and 3 others a few days later. No case showed signs of intraocular infection. Cystoid macular edema developed in 4 patients who all recovered good visual acuity. Excessive fibrosis of anterior capsule with capsulorhexis contraction was encountered in 2 cases harbouring plate haptic silicone lenses and needed YAG-laser treatment. None of the eyes with complications had visual acuity inferior to 0.6, except for 2 eyes which had preoperative macular diseases. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that phacoemulsification with clear cornea incision is a safe procedure, provided that the complications related to the learning period are set apart. None of the complications encountered in our 100 first cases severely prejudiced the functional results.