Objective To explore the effect of short-term solution-focused brief therapy in patients with diabetic retinopathy undergoing vitrectomy. Methods Ninety-six patients undergoing vitrectomy for diabetic retinopathy were randomized into two groups, with 48 cases in each group.The control group was given routine ophthalmic care and psychological nursing, while their counterparts in the intervention group additionally received short-term solution-focused brief therapy. The Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Scale of Quality of Life in Patients with Visual Impairment and self-designed patient satisfaction with nursing care questionnaire were utilized to evaluate the effect of the two groups. Results The intervention group had lower SAS score and SDS score, but higher quality of life and patient satisfaction with nursing care compared with the control group (P<0.01 for all). Conclusion Short-term solution-focused brief therapy can alleviate negative emotions of patients undergoing vitrectomy for diabetic retinopathy, enhance their quality of life and satisfaction with nursing care.