Vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) as an ideal laser light source has a broad development prospect. In the application fields of optical fiber communication, optical interconnection, and laser printing, VCSEL is required to work in a single fundamental mode. Due to the structural characteristics of VCSEL, it is easy to shoot multiple horizontal modes, so the limitation of the lateral mode of VCSEL has become a research hotspot. In this paper, the research reports of VCSEL transverse mode control method are reviewed, and the research progress of photonic crystal, surface relief, anti-waveguide, extended resonator, and high contrast grating structure is classified and analyzed.