Twenty consecutive retinal detachments (R.D.) after penetrating ocular injury were operated on with vitreoretinal microsurgery. The follow-up after surgery varies from 6 months to 30 months. Retinal reattachment was achieved in 15 of the 20 eyes (75%). The final visual acuity was 0,4 or better in 10 of the 15 eyes operated on with success (66%). Surgical success was achieved in 7 of the 8 R.D. associated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (P.V.R.) grade C1, C2 and C3; and 6 of the 7 R.D. associated with subretinal proliferation without clinical evidence of epiretinal proliferation. 2 R.D. associated with P.V.R. grade D2 were surgical failures. The patients should be kept under control for a long period of time since gradual shrinkage of the vitreous base may develop beyond 6 months after surgery.