AIM: To observe the treatment effect of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens(IOL)implantation in the treatment of diabetes complicated with cataract and the key factors during the operation.

METHODS: From December 2009 to December 2010, 32 cases of diabetic cataract patients 46 eyes in our department underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation, preoperative conventional slit-lamp, intraocular pressure measurement, B-ultrasound was performed, and besides, computer optometry, if necessary, FFA inspection, and glucose was detected. Surgery was performed using Alcon Legacy phacoemulsification instrument, Germany Zeiss VlSu150 surgical microscope. Clear corneal incision was made, which was about 2.8mm long, and the postoperative follow-up was 1-3 months.

RESULTS: Three months postoperatively, 12 eyes were with best-corrected visual acuity>0.3, 23 eyes were≥0.5. Of the 15 eyes with diabetic retinopathy, 12 eyes were with corrected visual acuity≥0.5, the rest 3 eyes had no visual iprovement, the diabetic retinopathy was in Ⅲ-Ⅳ grade. Postoperative complications included corneal edema in 10 eyes. delayed uveitis in 6 eyes, postoperative hypertension in 4 eyes. after cataract in 3 eyes and posterior capsular rupture in 1 eye.

CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation is an ideal method for treating diabetes complicated with cataract.