Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation and scleral buckling for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) accompanied by cataract. Methods: This retrospective study was performed from January 2010 to December 2017 in the Department of Ophthalmology, Changshu No.2 Hospital. Seventeen patients (17 eyes) with RRD accompanied by cataract underwent a triple procedure involving phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation and scleral buckling using a surgical microscope. The anatomical success rate, best corrected visual acuity, and complications were observed. The follow-up time was 15.2±3.6 months. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before and after the operation and pre-set postoperative refractive error (RE) and the measured postoperative RE were tested by a Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: A clear intraoperative view of retinal breaks was obtained. The retinas were reattached anatomically in all cases while the retinal breaks were perfectly buckled. Postoperative BCVA increased significantly (Z=3.825, P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the preset RE and the postoperative measured RE (Z=1.519, P=0.13). There was 2 eyes with grade I to II corneal endothelium edema, 2 eyes with transient high intraocular pressure, 2 eyes with mild to moderate anterior chamber fibrin exudation, 4 eyes with posterior capsular opacity, and 1 eye with macular epiretinal membrane. There were no complications such as subretinal fluid drainage, vitreous cavity infection or fundus hemorrhage. Conclusions: A triple procedure of phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation and scleral buckling using a surgical microscope is a practical and safe approach for RRD accompanied by cataract.