Combined phacoemulsification and vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy: an increased risk of early recurrence but not long-term neovascular glaucoma

Combined PPV with phacoemulsification is associated with an increased risk of recurrence within the first two postoperative years but does not increase the risk of neovascular glaucoma. The severity of baseline proliferative disease, particularly the degree of traction, is a more critical determinant of postoperative complications than the surgical strategy regarding the lens. This supports tailoring the surgical approach based on individual patient cataract status and retinal pathology.