Diabetes is the commonest risk factor for cataract. The aim of thisstudy was to detect any progression of diabetic retinopathy followingphacoemulsification in cataractous diabetic patients and todetermine whether opening of posterior capsule during surgery affectsthe progression of diabetic retinopathy. We concluded that, in diabeticpatient, posterior capsular tear leads to more progression of diabeticretinopathy. This may be related to interruption of blood retinal barrier.