The results of pars plana vitrectomy for diabetic traction-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were analyzed in 172 eyes, and the factors associated with a final visual acuity of 5/200 or better were identified. Forty-eight percent of eyes had improved vision on final examination. The proportion of eyes with a final visual acuity of 20/100 or better and 5/200 or better remained virtually the same during the ten-year study interval. Preoperative factors associated with a visual acuity of 5/200 or better were a preoperative visual acuity of 5/200 or better, the absence of iris neovascularization, and the absence of retinal detachment involving the macula. The intraoperative factor associated with a final visual acuity of 5/200 or better was the absence of iatrogenic retinal breaks.