Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of silicone oil removal combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in eyes with silicone oil tamponade after vitrectomy. Methods Thirty-five patients (36 eyes) with cataract and silicone oil tamponade after vitrectomy underwent silicone oil removal combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation between August 2010 and June 2011, the best corrected visual acuity one month after operation was observed, and the incidences of postoperative complications were recorded. Results One month after operation, the best corrected visual acuity was <0.01 in 3 eyes (8.33%), 0.01-0.04 in 5 eyes (13.89%), 0.05-0.09 in 10 eyes (27.78%), 0.1-0.25 in 15 eyes (41.67%) and ≥0.3 in 3 eyes (8.33%). There was no incidence of complications such as persisting corneal endothelial decompensation, residual silicone oil, lens dislocation and vitreous hemorrhage after operation in all patients. Conclusion Silicone oil removal combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation is a safe and effective approach for eyes with silicone oil tamponade after vitrectomy.