[Hyperplastic persistent pupillary membrane--surgical procedure].

BACKGROUND

Persistent pupillary membranes are a common congenital anomaly seen in 95% of neonates. Extensive persistent pupillary membranes, occluding the visual axis and resulting in reduced visual acuity, are relatively uncommon.

CASE REPORT: A 4-year-old male infant was seen in our hospital with reduced visual acuity of his left eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed a dense, extensive, persistent pupillary membrane associated with anterior polar cataract. We performed an excision of the pupillary membrane, lens aspiration of the lens material, posterior capsulorhexis, anterior vitrectomy and placement of a posterior chamber-intraocular lens in the capsular bag. 8 weeks after operation visual acuity improved to 0.25.

CONCLUSIONS

Dense pupillary membranes associated with polar cataract require early surgical treatment. Membranectomy, lens aspiration and implantation of an intraocular lens clear the visual axis and optimize the treatment of amblyopia.