Objective To evaluate the outcomes of removal of intravitreal metal foreign bodies with strong magnet. Methods Intravitreal foreign bodies in 70 patients (73 eyes) were divided into three categories, which were foreign bodies in the wall of eyeball, foreign bodies in the anterior vitreous body and foreign bodies in the posterior vitreous body. Foreign bodies in each category were randomly removed with electromagnet (electromagnet group) or strong magnet(strong magnet group). Electromagnet group included 5 eyes with foreign bodies in the wall of eyeball, 18 eyes with foreign bodies in the anterior vitreous body and 15 eyes with foreign bodies in the posterior vitreous body. Strong magnet group included 4 eyes with foreign bodies in the wall of eyeball, 17 eyes with foreign bodies in the anterior vitreous body and 14 eyes with foreign bodies in the posterior vitreous body. The magnetic flux density of electromagnet and strong magnet were measured by teslameter. The removal rate, time required for removal and incidences of complications after removal of each category of foreign bodies were compared. Results The magnetic flux density of strong magnet was similar to that of electromagnet at the distance of 0-5 cm. There was no significant difference in the removal rates and time required for removal of three categories of foreign bodies between two groups (P>0.05). There was also no significant difference in the incidences of cataract, vitreous hemorrhage and endophthalmitis after removal of three categories of foreign bodies between two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion The outcome of removal of intravitreal metal foreign bodies with strong magnet is similar to that with electromagnet, while the application of strong magnet is more economical and practical.