Severe vision loss in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) frequently results from complications related to neovascularization and fibrovascular proliferation. Patients with PDR are typically considered candidates for pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) when non-clearing vitreous hemorrhaging, tractional retinal detachment (TRD) development or extensive fibrovascular proliferation occur. Visual prognosis is guarded in patients undergoing PPV with these advanced presentations of PDR because of the high rate of both intra-operative and postoperative complications. Intra-operative bleeding may result in poor visualization during PPV that increases total surgery time and ultimately leads to surgical failure, while recurrent/persistent postoperative vitreous hemorrhage may occur as high as 75% and hinder visual rehabilitation and monitoring of further disease progression.