Phacoemulsification cataract surgery combined with prophylactic intravitreal bevacizumab is an effective treatment in the short term in patients with coexisting diabetic retinopathy, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data.

Cataract surgery in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) is known to accelerate the progression of DR and exacerbate diabetic macular edema. The purpose of the study was to assess whether intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) might prevent or mitigate the effects of surgery in these patients.