Surgical treatment and visual outcomes of cataract with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous

To evaluate the surgical treatment and visual outcomes of eyes with cataract and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV).

This retrospective study included patients with cataract and PHPV treated with various strategies. Anterior PHPV was treated using phacoemulsification with underwater electric coagulation on posterior capsule neovascularization, posterior capsulotomy, anterior vitrectomy, and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Posterior PHPV was treated with lensectomy, posterior vitrectomy, retinal photocoagulation, and IOL implantation or silicone oil tamponade. Visual acuity (VA), pattern visual evoked potential (P-VEP), anatomic recovery, postoperative complications, and amblyopia outcome were examined. Subjects were followed-up for 3-48mo after surgery.

Of the 30 patients (33 eyes) with congenital cataract and PHPV included (average age, 39.30±35.47mo), 9 eyes had anterior PHPV and 24 had posterior PHPV. Thirty-two eyes were surgically treated. Eyes with anterior PHPV received an IOL during one-stage (6 eyes) and two-stage (3 eyes) implantation. Postoperative complications included retinal detachment (1 eye) and recurrent anterior chamber hemorrhage (1 eye). In eyes with posterior PHPV, 6 and 11 eyes received IOLs in one- and two-stage procedures, respectively. Silicone oil was retained in 2 eyes, and IOLs were not implanted in 4 eyes. VA significantly improved in 25 eyes following operations and 3-48mo of amblyopia treatment. P-VEP P₁₀₀ was improved following surgery in both PHPV types.

Our surgical strategies are appropriate and effective for anterior and posterior PHPV. Early surgical intervention and amblyopia therapy result in positive treatment outcomes.