This report describes the outcome of 73 consecutive cases of severe ocular trauma that were managed by pars plana vitrectomy and followed for an average of 37 months. 38% of operated eyes achieved a final visual acuity of at least 0.5 (20/40) and 69% obtained 0.025 (5/200) or better vision. These results are similar to other published reports. The final visual acuity in this series proved to be similar in patients who had early vitrectomy (1-14 days) and those who underwent vitrectomy after 14 days. The best results were achieved when vitrectomy was performed between 15 and 30 days following injury. In contrast to other reports no decrease in the final visual result was noted in eyes that had definite blood-lens-vitreous mixing, nor was there evidence of increased fibrovascular ingrowth or a poorer visual prognosis in the 1- to 15-year-old age group.