To assess the role of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for symptomatic vitreous opacification in a series of patients with Fuchs' heterochromic uveitis (FHU).A retrospective review was undertaken of 13 patients with FHU who underwent vitrectomy for vitreous opacification between April 1989 and December 1998.An improvement in visual symptoms was recorded in all patients, 9 of 13 (69%) demonstrating at least a 2 line increase in Snellen visual acuity. All but one patient attained 6/9 or better visual acuity post-operatively. Surgery was uneventful and did not appear to exacerbate any existing intraocular inflammation.From this series we conclude that PPV has an important role in the management of patients with FHU who present with symptomatic vitreous opacification.