AIM: To evaluate the preservation of anterior capsule used in vitrectomy combined with extra retinal photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)stage Ⅵ with cataract.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 38 patients(45 eyes)with PDR stage Ⅵ with cataract in our hospital from January 2010 to June 2013, preoperative visual acuity were LP to 0.1, underwent vitrectomy reserved anterior capsule and intraoperative extra retinal photocoagulation(E-PRP)with silicone oil tamponade in all eyes. Patients were followed up for 12～26mo to observe the intraocular pressure, visual acuity, anterior and posterior segment conditions.

RESULTS: Postoperatively 32 eyes(71%)improved in visual acuity and 13 eyes(29%)didn't improve, 23 eyes with BCVA ≥0.05 there was a significant difference(χ²=16.80, P<0.01)compared with preoperative. Anatomic retinal attachment was achieved in 39 eyes(87%). There were 2 eyes(4%)of silicone oil dependence and 7 eyes(16%)with epiretinal proliferative membrane. One eye(2%)was found iris neovascularization(INV)and progressed to neovascular glaucoma, 4 INV eyes gradually subsided, but there was no significant difference compared with the preoperative(χ²=1.61, P=0.21). The postoperative complication incidence of transient intraocular pressure rise, corneal edema, anterior chamber fibrin exudation, posterior synechia and anterior capsule opacification was 24%(11 eyes), 18%(8 eyes), 13%(6 eyes), 4%(2 eyes)and 29%(13 eyes).

CONCLUSION: The preservation of anterior capsule invitrectomy combined with E-PRP is safe and effective for patients with PDR stage VI with cataract. It can improve postoperative visual acuity and reattach retina effectively, and may also reduce the incidence of iris neovascularization.