AIM:To evaluate the effectiveness of combined pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)and phacoemulsification(PEA)with intraocular lens(IOL)implantation in patients with concomitant cataract and proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR).METHODS:This retrospective study consisted of 36 patients 36 eyes with PDR and cataract.PPV was combined with PEA and IOL implantation.Gas tamponade was employed in 6 eyes;silicone oil tamponade was employed in 4 eyes;postoperative visual acuity,complications were analyzed.RESULTS:The postoperative follow-up interval ranged from 1 to 12 months(an average of 4.5 months).The postoperative visual acuity was improved in different degrees:≥0.1 in 6 eyes(17%),0.02-0.1 in 24 eyes(67%),light perception to counting fingers in 6 eyes(17%).During operation,no severe complications occurred.After operation,there was early ocular hypertension in 5 eyes(14%),posterior synechia in 3 eyes(8%),posterior capsular opacity(PCO)in 12 eyes performed Nd:YAG capsulotomy(33%),and neovascular glaucoma in 1 eye(3%),but there was no retinal detachment,no vitreous hemorrhage or corneal edema.CONCLUSION:This study suggests that the combined operation of PPV,PEA and IOL implantation is safe and effective for PDR coexisting with cataract.