AIM:To observe photocoagulation treatment effect on diabetic retinopathy (DR) after phacoemulsification or non-phacoemulsification small incision cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation, to further explore the timing and influencing factors of photocoagulation treatment. METHODS:Totally 60 cases (108 eyes) with DR after phacoemulsification or non-phacoemulsification small incision cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation underwent local retinal photocoagulation, grid photocoagulation or standard panretinal photocoagulation treatment at early stage according to DR staging under the guidance of fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA). RESULTS:After 1 year follow-up, visual acuity improved in 30 cases of all patients (27.8%), unchanged in 71 eyes(65.7%), decreased in 7 eyes(6.5%).FFA follow-up examination showed retinal edema vanished, most neovascularization shrinked, bleeding and exudation partly absorbed,the complicated macular edema in 18 cases completely vanished after photocoagulation. CONCLUSION: Reasonable and timely conduct of argon laser retinal photocoagulation therapy after cataract surgery can effectively control the progress of DR,and plays an important role in the improvement of visual function and stabilization of vision.