Reappearance of excentric persistent fetal vasculature stalk following laser treatment in a patient with type 1 retinopathy of prematurity.

PURPOSE: In this report, we aim to present an unusual reappearance of hyaloidal artery remnant with atypical localization during the follow-up of an infant who underwent indirect laser photocoagulation for type 1 ROP. METHODS: Retrospective case report. RESULTS: We report a case of reappearance of an eccentrically located hyaloidal stalk in the macular area during the follow-up period, 2 weeks after laser photocoagulation for type 1 ROP subsequently progressed to cause foveal distortion, which is successfully removed with a lens-sparing vitrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, there is no similar case in the literature. In the presence of fibrovascular proliferation extending into the vitreous, especially in premature infants, it should be kept in mind that this may be a reappearance of PFV and it may not always be located on the optic disc.

Bevacizumab as adjunctive therapy in anterior persistent fetal vasculature.

PURPOSE: Surgical removal of a vascularized pupillary membrane may be challenging with the risk of intraoperative bleeding and postoperative recurrence. We present a case of a 4-week-old who presented with anterior persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) and dense vascularized pupillary membrane in which the use of intracameral and intravitreal bevacizumab may have contributed to successful treatment. OBSERVATION: A 4-week-old-month-old otherwise healthy girl was referred to Boston Children's Hospital for evaluation of cataract. Ocular examination revealed right microcornea and vascularized pupillary membrane. The left eye exam was unremarkable. Only three weeks after surgical excision of the pupillary membrane and cataract extraction, recurrence of a vascular pupillary membrane was noted. Repeat membranectomy with pupilloplasty and use of intracameral bevacizumab was performed. The pupillary opening was further opened 5 months later, after repeat (intravitreal) bevacizumab, and the pupil has remained open and stable with >6 months' follow-up. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: This case suggests a role for bevacizumab in the management of PFV, however, a cause-and-effect relationship cannot be proven. Further prospective comparative studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Outcomes and Complications 5 Years After Surgery for Pediatric Cataract Associated With Persistent Fetal Vasculature.

PURPOSE: To report 5-year outcomes after surgery for cataract associated with persistent fetal vasculature (PFV). DESIGN: Clinical cohort study using pediatric cataract registry data collected annually from medical records. METHODS: This study included 64 children <13 years of age who were undergoing surgery for unilateral, nontraumatic cataract associated with PFV. Proportions with age-normal visual acuity (VA) and VA better than 20/200 at 5 years' follow-up were estimated. Cumulative incidences of complications and additional surgeries by 5 years were calculated. Outcomes were compared between eyes with unilateral PFV and eyes with unilateral non-PFV cataract from our registry. RESULTS: Forty-eight of 64 eyes were aphakic postoperatively (median age at surgery 2 months [range 1-13 months]) and 16 were pseudophakic (29 months [range 2-92 months]). Overall, 4 of 42 eyes (10% [95% confidence interval {CI} 3%-23%]) achieved age-normal VA. VA better than 20/200 was achieved in 17 (59% [95% CI 39%-76%]) unilateral aphakic PFV eyes and 44 (43% [95% CI 32%-54%]) unilateral non-PFV aphakic eyes (age-adjusted odds ratio = 1.90 [95% CI 0.81-4.50]; P = .14). The most common complication in aphakic PFV eyes was glaucoma-related adverse events (cumulative incidence 24% [95% CI 9%-37%]). There was no significant difference in glaucoma-related adverse events between PFV and non-PFV eyes in aphakic participants ≤1 year of age at lensectomy (age-adjusted hazard ratio = 1.20 [95% CI 0.54-2.64], P = .66). CONCLUSIONS: A wide range of visual outcomes for PFV cataract were observed with a 10% probability of achieving age-normal VA. There was an ongoing risk for the development of glaucoma-related adverse events in PFV eyes.

Severe anterior persistent fetal vasculature: the role of anterior retinal elongation on prognosis.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate surgical outcomes of eyes with severe anterior persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) and the role of associated anatomical anomalies on prognosis. METHODS: This is a retrospective, comparative case series of 32 eyes of 31 patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery for severe anterior PFV, defined as fibrovascular tissue totally covering the back of cataractous lens. Based on the degree of anterior retinal elongations, cases were classified as follows: group 1, eyes with well-developed pars plana and minor/no abnormalities (n = 11, 34%); group 2, eyes with partially developed pars plana and broad-based elongations (n = 9, 28%); and group 3, eyes with no visible pars plana and fibrovascular membrane having 360° continuity with peripheral retina (n = 12, 38%). Complications and functional and anatomical outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: The median surgical age was 2 (1-12) months. The median follow-up was 26 (6-120) months. Seventy-three percent in group 1 achieved finger counting or better vision with a single surgery and without any pupillary/retinal complication. Groups 2 and 3 required 2.1 ± 0.9 and 2.6 ± 1.2 surgeries on average. Pupillary obliteration and RD occurred in 33% and 22% in group 2 and 58% and 67% in group 3. Retina remained attached after silicone oil removal in 89% of group 2 and 25% of group 3. Phthisis developed in 50% in group 3. CONCLUSION: Peripheral retinal anomalies are common in severe anterior PFV and have a major impact on prognosis. Prognosis is favorable in cases with mild-to-moderate anomalies with appropriate management of possible retinal tears. In eyes with 360° retinal elongations, severe fibrous proliferation and eventual eye loss are common.

Management and Outcomes of Posterior Persistent Fetal Vasculature.

PURPOSE: To describe clinical features, management, and outcomes of posterior persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) and suggest a management algorithm. DESIGN: Retrospective, consecutive case series. PARTICIPANTS: All children diagnosed with posterior PFV and treated or followed at the Rothschild Foundation Hospital in France between June 2011 and September 2021. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the clinical characteristics of posterior PFV. We reported age, gender, presenting symptoms, intraocular pressure, and visual acuity (VA) at diagnosis. Patients were divided into 4 groups depending on the severity and involvement or not of anterior segment. We reported the vitreoretinal surgical techniques used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anatomic results, ocular hypertension, best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), presence of postoperative adverse events, and additional surgical interventions were recorded at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients were included. The median age at diagnosis was 8 months (IQR = 12), mean 18.9 ± 30.9 months) with a mean follow-up of 27 ± 31.2 months. Although PFV is often an isolated disease, it was associated with a systemic disease in 8% of cases. There was anterior involvement in 62 (64%) of eyes. Forty-one eyes (42.7%) were microphthalmic and more frequently associated with severe PFV (53% vs. 25%; P = 0.01). Surgery was performed in 85 patients (89%). Of them, 69 (81%) had a total success, 5 (6%) had a partial success due to persistent limited peripheral retinal detachment (RD), and 11 (13%) had a failure due to persistent total RD after surgery. Postoperative adverse events occured in 38 eyes including ocular hypertension requiring eye drop medication (7.1%), secondary cell proliferation around the intraocular lens (8.2%), intravitreal hemorrhages (7.1%), and persistent tractional RD (10.6%). Second surgery was performed in 18 patients (21%). At last follow-up, VA could be measured in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution in 43 children (45%), light perception in 21 eyes (22%), and no light perception or impossible to assess in 32 eyes (33%). CONCLUSIONS: In our case series, most patients presenting with posterior PFV received complex vitreoretinal surgery. Goals of the surgery vary and include retinal flattening, reduction of vitreoretinal traction, freeing of visual axis, and aesthetic concerns. We propose a surgical and medical management algorithm for PFV. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Retrospective Analysis of Surgical Outcomes on Axial Length Elongation in Eyes with Posterior and Combined Persistent Fetal Vasculature.

This study aims to investigate the outcomes and risk factors associated with poor vision (vision less than counting fingers, 2.0 logMAR, Snellen vision 20/2000) in patients with posterior or combined persistent fetal vasculature (PFV), with or without surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with PFV from January 2008 to April 2021. We included 51 eyes of 44 patients who presented with PFV, of which 38 eyes underwent surgical correction (pars plicata/plana vitrectomy, with or without lensectomy, and intraocular lens implantation) at the median age of 6.0 months (range: 0.7 to 82.0). The mean follow-up was 68.8 months ± 38.0 months. The axial length change in the eyes undergoing surgery was significantly higher than the eyes without surgery (p = 0.025). Initial anterior chamber collapse and retinal detachment were associated with poor vision (p = 0.006 and p = 0.002, respectively). In addition, 37% of eyes with posterior or combined PFV had vision better than counting fingers. Surgery for eyes with PFV could result in better eye growth. Visual outcomes remained poor and were associated with the level of macular abnormality. Initial anterior chamber collapse and retinal detachment at presentation were the risk factors for poor visual outcomes. Vitrectomy for selected PFV eyes is valuable and associated with a better cosmetic outcome (better eye growth).

Surgical outcomes of posterior persistent fetal vasculature syndrome: cases with tent-shaped and closed funnel-shaped retinal detachment.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To determine the role of vitreoretinal surgery (VRS) for two different forms of posterior persistent fetal vasculature syndrome (PFVS); with tent-shaped tractional retinal detachment (TRD) and closed funnel-shaped TRD. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Retrospective, single surgeon, consecutive case series of 52 eyes of 44 patients with posterior PFVS who underwent VRS. Cases were divided into "tent-shaped TRD" and "funnel-shaped TRD" groups based on the preoperative TRD configuration. Associated anomalies, functional and anatomical outcomes were evaluated. The cosmetic appearance was defined as poor if there was phthisis bulbi, gross buphthalmos, or corneal opacification; acceptable if there was apparent leukocoria; and excellent if none were noted at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty eyes of 29 patients presented with tent-shaped TRD; 70% of which obtained counting fingers or better vision and 90% showed significant reversal of tenting achieving retinal reattachment. The cosmetic appearance was excellent in 87%. Two eyes (7%) became phthisic. Twenty-two eyes of 15 patients presented with funnel-shaped TRD and leukocoria; 45% achieved LP vision and 70% of patients with bilateral pathology had LP in at least one eye. The cosmetic appearance was acceptable to excellent in 73%. Three eyes (14%) became phthisic, one (5%) of which required enucleation. The median follow-up time was 16 (6-71) months. CONCLUSIONS: VRS often provides functional vision and anatomy in posterior PFVS with tent-shaped TRD morphology. In the funnel-shaped TRD morphology, where no treatment has historically been recommended, surgery may be considered with an aim of restoring light perception and globe preservation, particularly in bilateral cases.

Late surgery for unilateral persistent fetal vasculature: long-term visual and anatomic outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) is a congenital anomaly caused by failure of the ocular vasculature to regress. We report the visual and anatomic outcomes in patients who underwent surgery for PFV between 7-48 months of age. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent lensectomy and anterior or core vitrectomy for unilateral PFV, with or without intraocular lens implantation, were reviewed retrospectively. Inclusion criteria were surgery between 7-48 months of age and at least 12 months of follow-up. Patients with severe posterior segment involvement were excluded. The primary outcome was the final visual acuity using age-appropriate tests converted to logMAR. Secondary outcomes included the rate of adverse events and number of subsequent intraocular procedures. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients with a mean age at surgery of 19.3 ± 10.5 months and mean follow-up of 73.7 ± 46.7 months were included. Sixteen patients had delayed surgery due to late presentation; the remaining 4 were managed initially with refractive correction and occlusion. Eight patients (40%) achieved a final visual acuity better than 1.0 logMAR. Four eyes had adverse events, including one retinal detachment. No patient developed glaucoma. Four eyes underwent subsequent procedures. CONCLUSIONS: In our study cohort, surgery for unilateral PFV between 7-48 months of age achieved functional visual acuity in over one-third of patients. This is comparable to results achieved with surgery before 7 months of age, but with fewer adverse events. Differences in disease severity could account for later PFV presentation and surgery as well as outcomes.

Atypical presentation of peripheral posterior lenticonus and role of multi-modal ocular imaging in its diagnosis and management.

A 6-year-old systemically healthy child presented with visual acuity of 1/60, N18 oculusdextrus (OD), and 6/18, N6 oculus sinister (OS). Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed suspicious bilateral inferotemporal pigmented ciliary body (CB) tumour, protruding posterior capsule and temporal posterior subcapsular cataract oculus uterque. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography, ultrasonography, ultrasonic biomicroscopy and Scheimpflug imaging revealed protruding posterior capsule and cortex abutting but not arising from CB suggestive of peripheral pigmented posterior lenticonus with hypermetropia (axial length 20.27 mm OD and 19.97 mm OS). Aberrometry revealed high internal aberrations and low Dysfunctional Lens Index (DLI). Lens aspiration with intraocular lens implantation in the bag OD and contact lens correction OS were undertaken. The child had a postoperative visual gain of 3/60, N18 with improved aberrometric profile OD, and was advised amblyopia therapy. Rarely posterior lenticonus can mimic a CB mass. Multi-modal ocular imaging can aid in its diagnosis and management. DLI may serve as a useful indicator of surgery in such cases.

Femtosecond laser-assisted anterior and posterior capsulotomies in children with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous.

Anterior and posterior capsulotomies were performed in 12 eyes of 12 patients (age range 3 months to 6 years) with congenital cataracts and primary persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) syndrome using a femtosecond laser. The procedure was performed in 8 eyes with PHPV severity level 1 and 4 eyes with severity level 2 (Sudovsky classification). Surgeries were performed at the Kaluga branch of the S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Russia. Postoperative follow-up was between 8 months and 36 months. The use of a low-energy femtosecond laser-assisted posterior capsulotomy in this pediatric population provided safe and predictable results with a reduced number of intraocular manipulations, and reduced the risk for complications.

Visual prognosis of posterior and combined persistent fetal vasculature.

INTRODUCTION: The persistent fetal vasculature refers to congenital anomalies of the globe resulting from the abnormal persistence of the hyaloid vascular system. It can present as anterior, posterior, or combined form. The aim of this study was to report the visual outcomes of posterior and combined forms of persistent fetal vasculature. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study included every patient referred to our outpatient clinic with a posterior or combined form of persistent fetal vasculature. The primary endpoint was the visual acuity of the impaired eye, or of the best eye if bilateral, at the end of follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 18 eyes of 14 patients (10 males) were included. The combined form was the most prevalent (12 of 18 eyes), and 4 of 14 patients had bilateral impairment. The range of assessed visual acuity was from 20/2000 to 20/25. The best visual acuity in patients having undergone a surgical procedure was 20/63 (cataract extraction = 3, combined phacovitrectomy = 1). In patients who had been treated for amblyopia with patching, without surgery, the best visual acuity measured was 20/100 (5 patients). Among patients who had neither surgery nor patching therapy, there was one 63-year-old patient with a 20/25 visual acuity; the other ones had a low visual acuity of less than 20/200. All included eyes presented with nystagmus, amblyopia, and/or strabismus at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The posterior and combined forms of persistent fetal vasculature are of poor visual prognosis. The severe or occulting presentations require surgery to obtain the same visual outcomes as the moderate forms treated for amblyopia with patching therapy.

Long-term visual and anatomic outcomes following early surgery for persistent fetal vasculature: a single-center, 20-year review.

BACKGROUND: Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) is a spectrum of congenital anomalies caused by complete or partial failure of the ocular fetal vasculature to regress. We report the visual and anatomic outcomes in a large cohort of patients who underwent early surgery for PFV. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent lensectomy and anterior or core vitrectomy for unilateral PFV without primary intraocular lens implantation through limbal or pars plana/plicata approach. Inclusion criteria were surgery prior to 7 months of age, with at least 12 months of follow-up. Eyes with severe posterior segment involvement and retinal detachment deemed beyond repair were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age at surgery was 2.1 ± 1.5 months. Mean follow-up was 6.7 ± 4.2 years. At final follow-up, 19 eyes (33%) had visual acuity better than 1.0 logMAR. Thirty-three eyes (57%) developed 1 or more postoperative adverse events: glaucoma in 21 (36%) and retinal detachment in 11 (19%), 8 of which occurred in eyes that had pars plana or pars plicata incisions (P = 0.002). In patients with limbal incisions, 17 of 40 (43%) achieved a visual acuity better than 1.0 logMAR, compared with 2 of 18 patients (11%) with a pars plana/pars plicata incision (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In our study cohort, early surgery for PFV achieved functional visual acuity in about one-third of patients. Limbal approach to surgery may result in better visual acuity and anatomic results.

Postoperative follow-up of a case of atypical morning glory syndrome associated with persistent fetal vasculature.

BACKGROUND: Morning glory syndrome is a relatively rare congenital optic disc anomaly that is often difficult to identify when associated with additional congenital ocular anomalies. This case report describes the diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative follow-up care of a young girl with morning glory syndrome accompanied by persistent fetal vasculature, retinal fold, and retinal detachment. Here, we also give a brief review of the relevant literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 5-year-old girl was referred to our clinic for a complaint of decreased vision for 6 months in the right eye. The best corrected visual acuity was hand motion in her right eye and 0.8 in her left eye. A fundus examination indicated vitreous opacities and scattered hemorrhages, as well as striped folds in the temporal retina of the affected eye. B-ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging scans suggested that it could be a congenital dysplasia of the right eye. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in the right eye. Morning glory syndrome associated with persistent fetal vasculature was confirmed in subsequent follow-up observation according to the fundus appearance, optical coherence tomography, and fundus fluorescein angiography imaging. CONCLUSIONS: The patient was diagnosed as morning glory syndrome associated with persistent fetal vasculature and retinal fold. The morning glory disc with the presence of retinal folds did not seem quite typical and that made the diagnosis difficult. This report stresses the importance of considering concurrent morning glory syndrome and persistent fetal vasculature. Vitrectomy may be beneficial in the management of the morning glory syndrome and persistent fetal vasculature if accompanied by retinal detachment in similar cases.

Visual and Anatomical Outcomes With Vitrectomy in Posterior or Combined Persistent Fetal Vasculature in an Asian Population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical features and surgical outcomes of vitrectomy in posterior or combined persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) in an Asian pediatric population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series relating the surgical outcome of PFV. Eyes that underwent pars plicata vitrectomy and/or lensectomy for posterior or combined PFV between 2006 and 2015 were included. The main outcome measures were the anatomic and functional results as well as the complications after the vitrectomy with or without lensectomy. RESULTS: A total of 25 eyes of 18 patients younger than 8 years of age were included in the study. The mean age of the patients receiving first pars plicata vitrectomy and/or lensectomy was 15.2 months ± 21.7 months (range: 1 month to 83 months). Postoperatively, successful anatomic correction in the posterior segment was observed in 20 eyes (80%). In addition, 19 of the 25 eyes (76%) had visual acuity (VA) better than 20/4000, and the mean logMAR VA of these 19 eyes was 1.74 (range: 0.48 to 2.30). The mean change of axial length of the eyes receiving surgery was 0.7 mm ± 1.4 mm (range: -1.0 mm to 2.4 mm; P = .18). None of the patients ended up with phthisis or glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that vitrectomy and/or lensectomy in patients with posterior or combined PFV with macular involvement may result in an acceptable anatomical outcome; however, the functional outcome remained poor despite surgical intervention in these patients. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:377-384.].

Anterior elongation of the retina in persistent fetal vasculature: emphasis on retinal complications.

PURPOSE: To identify the characteristics of peripheral retinal anomalies associated with persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) and evaluate the complications and outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective, noncomparative case series of patients with PFV who underwent surgery. Type of PFV, presence of peripheral retinal anomalies, extent of the retrolental membrane, complications, and functional and anatomical results were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-nine eyes of 28 patients were enrolled in the study: 14 eyes (48.3%) with anterior PFV, 10 eyes (34.5%) with posterior PFV, and 5 eyes (17.2%) with combined PFV. The retina was found to elongate anteriorly as finger-like projections beyond the ora serrata, incorporating into retrolental fibrovascular tissue in 81.8% of the anterior PFV cases. Cases with more extensive retrolental tissue had a higher risk of retinal complications (p = 0.009) and anterior segment complications (p = 0.026) than those with localized disease. Leaving the peripheral part of the fibrovascular tissue in place led to complications by later contraction. A total of 35.7% of the anterior PFV cases had 20/200 or better vision at the final follow-up versus 6.7% of the cases with posterior involvement. Retinal attachment was achieved in 12 eyes (80%) with posterior involvement. Four eyes (13.7%) resulted in total retinal detachment at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of peripheral retinal anomalies that are found in anterior PFV patients and their relation to retinal complications warrant careful examination of the ora serrata-ciliary body area. Limbal approach may be preferred as a safer method in cases with an extensive fibrovascular membrane obscuring the view. Leaving the peripheral part of the fibrovascular tissue may result in severe postoperative complications, which should be avoided.

Management of severe persistent fetal vasculature: case series and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) is a unique ocular disorder usually presenting early in life. The unregressed embryonal hyaloid vasculature poses a risk of severe ocular complications leading to decreased visual acuity. Surgery is the mainstay of therapy in complicated cases. We describe the clinical presentation and surgical treatment of PFV managed at our center from 2012 to 2015. METHODS: The study is a case series comprised eight patients who were diagnosed with complicated severe PFV. All were managed with a tailored surgical approach. The clinical characteristics, medical and surgical treatment, and follow-up findings of each case are described. RESULTS: There were six males and two females. Surgical intervention involved anterior or posterior vitrectomy, lens extraction, and intraocular lens implantation. Hyaloid stalk removal with release of ciliary traction was variably utilized in selected cases. Endodiathermy controlled intraocular bleeding, and intraocular scissors proved helpful in anterior PFV for disinserting the ciliary process from an abnormally thickened posterior lens capsule. Visual outcomes differed in each case, depending on multiple clinical factors. CONCLUSION: Severe complex PFV presents a therapeutic challenge. A tailored surgical approach with meticulous postoperative management is essential for visual rehabilitation.

Persistent Fetal Vasculature With Elongated Ciliary Processes in Children.

PURPOSE: Outcomes and reoperation rates in infants with unilateral persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) with elongated or stretched ciliary processes have not been extensively studied and were excluded from the Infant Aphakia Treatment Study (IATS). The purpose of this study is to analyze the preoperative measurements, reoperation rates, and complications after surgery in unilateral anterior PFV with stretched processes. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Inclusion criteria consisted of unilateral cataract surgery prior to 7 months of age and anterior PFV with elongated ciliary processes. Eyes with posterior retinal involvement and less than 6 months of follow-up were excluded. All patients underwent lensectomy, posterior capsulectomy, and vitrectomy. RESULTS: Eleven eyes of 11 patients were included. Patients had a mean age at surgery of 2.4 ± 1.4 months. Average follow-up was 4.5 ± 3.7years. Globe axial lengths were 18.6 ± 1.9 mm. Ten patients (91%) were initially left aphakic. Three patients (27%) later received a secondary intraocular lens (IOL), and 1 patient underwent an IOL exchange. Six out of 10 (60%) aphakic patients developed visual axis opacification. One aphakic patient required topical therapy for glaucoma. One additional patient developed neovascular glaucoma and retinal detachment. The eye was subsequently enucleated. Three patients underwent strabismus surgery. Two patients underwent pupilloplasty. Two patients (18.2%) had a final visual acuity better than 20/200. CONCLUSION: Eyes operated for PFV with elongated ciliary processes are unlikely to have a final visual acuity greater than 20/200 and many will need additional surgery. Postoperative visual axis opacification occurred in 60% and glaucoma developed in 18%.

PERSISTENT HYALOID ARTERY - PERFORM A SURGERY OR NOT?

The review points to the issues of persistent hyaloid artery, more precisely to possible clinical features, the influence on visual functions and potential complications during intraocular surgeries. In professional journals we can find just few reviews regarding this rare deviation of the eye development, therefore we want to present our experience. The persistent hyaloid artery causes chronical local changes of eye background at both of our patients, retinal detachment and retinoschisis. The findings werent accompanied by significant decrease of visual functions or subjective patients complaints. Considering the potential complications published in journals such as hemoftalmus or retinal vessel occlusion we decided to be more conservative. Thats why we just checked-up the condition of the eye background and we were prepared to perform a surgery if necessary. Key words: persistent hyaloid artery, tractional retinal detachment, retinoschisis.

Functional and anatomical outcomes following surgical management of persistent fetal vasculature: a single-center experience of 44 cases.

PURPOSE: To investigate the functional and anatomical outcomes following surgical management of persistent fetal vasculature (PFV). METHODS: Single-center, retrospective, interventional consecutive case series of 41 patients (44 eyes) who underwent vitrectomy with or without lensectomy through a limbal or pars plana/plicata approach with diagnosis of anterior, posterior, or combined anterior and posterior segment PFV were included. RESULTS: The median age at the time of surgery was 3 months (range, 1-36 months), and the mean follow-up period was 37.2 ± 38.1 months (range, 12-164 months). Of the 44 eyes, 5 (11%) had clinical and ultrasonographic findings of anterior PFV, 5 (11%) had posterior PFV, and 34 (78%) had components of both anterior and posterior disease. At the last visit, 38 eyes (87%) were aphakic, 5 eyes (11%) were phakic, and 1 eye (2%) was pseudophakic. The mean Snellen equivalent VA at the final visit for the 14 (32%) eyes with measurable VA was 20/283. Nine (20%) eyes had final VA of only light perception or no light perception. The remaining 21 (48%) eyes behaved consistently with form vision, but the patients were not able to report VA. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the eyes achieved at least form vision, with acceptable postoperative complication rates. Functional and anatomical outcomes are not strictly dependent on axial length, and microphthalmic eyes with mild posterior segment involvement have the potential for good visual results. Outcomes after surgery for posterior PFV associated with tractional retinal detachment are limited. Anatomical success does not always equate to functional improvement.