The results of 41 consecutive cases of double perforating eye injuries, operated with vitrectomy between December 1975 and December 1982, are reported. Fourteen eyes (34%) obtained a visual acuity of 5/10 or better, and 23 eyes (56%) obtained 5/200 or better. Twenty-eight (68%) developed retinal detachment, and 12 of these were attached by surgery. In this series the pre-operative visual function and the type of injury had a significant effect on the final result. No beneficial effect from early (within 14 days) vitrectomy could be shown.