Unilateral persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous: Course and outcome

Purpose: Improved surgical techniques enable more favorable results in the management of persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV). The purpose of our study was to evaluate the outcome of PHPV eyes managed conservatively or after surgery (with or without intraocular lens implantation). Methods: A total of 89 children (37 boys, 52 girls) with PHPV in one eye (mean follow-up of 6.3 ± 5.7 years) were included. The children were subgrouped according to treatment modality. Twenty-eight (31.5%) children were managed conservatively (non-operated). Cataract extraction combined with vitrectomy and removal of embryonic remnants was carried out in 61 eyes (68.5%). Intraocular lenses were implanted in 30 of the operated eyes (pseudophakic) and 31 eyes remained without lens (aphakic). Results: Final evaluated visual acuity in the entire group was 6/15 or better in 12.6% (11 of 87) of the eyes. A total of 11.5% (10 of 87) had a visual acuity of 6/21 to 6/60, 46.0% (40 of 87) obtained 6/90 to light perception and 26 of 87 (29.9%) had no light perception in the involved eye. The rate of no light perception was significantly lower in patients with pseudophakia (10.0%) compared to those with aphakia (43.3%) or nonoperated (37.0%) eyes (P = .009). Intraocular pressure was adequately assessed repeatedly in 72 eyes. High intraocular pressure and glaucomatous changes were observed in 7 of 31 (22.6%) patients with aphakia, 2 of 24 (8.3%) patients with pseudophakia and in 2 of 17 (11.8%) nonoperated eyes (P = .34). Poor cosmetic outcome was seen in 12 of 31 (38.7%) children with aphakic eyes and 5 of 30 (16.7%) children with pseudophakic eyes (P = .08). Prosthesis or cosmetic shells were needed for 8 of 31 patients with aphakia, for none of the patients with pseudophakia and for 2 of 28 of the nonoperated children (P = .003). Conclusion: PHPV eyes have a potential for developing useful vision with favorable cosmetic outcome after surgery. Intraocular lens implantation may be a favorable and beneficial option for the management of children with unilateral PHPV.