AIM: To investigate the surgical therapeutic effects and complications of 23-gauge(23-G)vitrectomy combined with phacoemulcification for early proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)and vitreous hemorrhage.

METHODS: The 23-G micro-invasive vitrectomy combined with phacoemulcification and intraocular lens implantation were done in 48 patients(48 eyes)from Jan. 2011 to Jan. 2013. Best corrected visual acuity was recorded before or after operation 1mo. All patients were followed up for 4-18mo to observe the eye pressure, inflammatory reaction, intraocular lens location, and the changes of fundus conditions.

RESULTS: After 1mo operation, best corrected visual acuity improved 43 eyes(90%), the visual acuity of 36 eyes(75%)≥0.12, 15 eyes(31%)≥0.3, visual acuity in preoperation or postoperation was different significantly(P=0.00). There were 6 eyes(13%)with hypotony, 5 eyes(10%)with choroidal detachment, 13 eyes(27%)with inflammation in anterior chamber, 16 eyes(33%)with increased intraocular pressure, and 10 eyes(21%)with vitreous hemorrhage after operation. However, there were no vitreous retinal hyperplastic lesions, retinal detachment, iris rubeosis, and neovascular glaucoma postoperatively.

CONCLUSION: The 23-G micro-invasive vitrectomy combined with phacoemulcification and for early proliferative diabetic retinopathy is safe and effective.