The vitreo-retinal traction syndrome, described by Jaffe in 1967 represents a rare complication of idiopathic posterior vitreal detachment. In this vitreo-retinal disease process, which is ophthalmoscopically so characteristic and in the early phase so surprisingly symptom-free, and which only occurs in this form and to this extent following spontaneous intravitreal fibroplasia, we can discern 3 distinct stages, although transitional phases also occur. Vitreal and retinal changes occur which are developed to a varying extent in the 3 stages. Reported are 2 cases which were followed clinically through all 3 stages.