AIM:To investigate the clinical efficacy of the pars plana vitrectomy combined with phacoemulsification in the treatment of cataract and proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR). METHODS: A retrospective review clinical data consisted of 39 eyes of 34 patients with cataract and PDR, 39 eyes were treated with the techniques of phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy, intraocular lens was inserted in 32 eyes. Triamcinolone acetonide was injected in 11 eyes. RESULTS: Of 39 eyes after follow-up of 3 months to 2 years, vision <0.1 was in 12 eyes ,0.1- 0.2 in 14 eyes, 0.2- 0.5 in 9 eyes,>0.5 in 4 eyes. Postoperatively FFA indicated that fluorescein leakage disappeared and new vascularization withered in 27 eyes, there were macular edema in 16 eyes. CONCLUSION: The pars plana vitrectomy combined with phacoemulsification is effective and safe in treatment of PDR and cataract, without serious complications.