AIM:To investigate the efficacy and complications of phacoemulsification combined with vitrectomy in the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy and cataract. ·METHODS:Retrospectively analyzed the information of 55 patients 68 eyes with cataract and proliferative diabetic retinopathy,which were treated with vitrectomy com-bined lens phacoemulsification and intraocular lens im-plantation,the postoperative visual acuity and compli-cations in and after operation were observeed. ·RESULTS:The follow-up period was 3-24 months with the average of 8.5 months. Postoperative visual acuity improved or remained unchanged in 51 eyes (75% ); and decreased in 17 eyes (25% ). Complication in operation is iatrogenic retinal tear in 15 eyes (22%). Postoperation complications consisted of anterior chamber fibrin exudation in 30 eyes (44% ); vitreous hemorrhage in 11 eyes (16%); retinal detachment in 3 eyes (4%); rubeosis of iris in 5 eyes (7%); neovascular glaucoma in 2 eyes (3%). Retinal photocoagulation was performed in 31(46%) eyes after surgery. ·CONCLUSION:Vitrectomy combined lens phacoemul-sification and intraocular lens implantation to treat cataract proliferative diabetic retinopathy is safe and efficient,which can improve the visual acuity of majority of patients. The key point is to select suitable patients and the key influencing factor of postoperative visual acuity is the degree of retinal damage.