BREAKING THROUGH AN ARBORIZING NETWORK OF PERSISTENT PUPILLARY MEMBRANE: A CASE SERIES.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:
Persistent pupillary membrane is a condition with incomplete
resorption1, 2 of anterior lenticular fetal vascular arcade, a mesodermal
tissue derived from primary annulus vessels, tunica vasculosa lentis3.
The vasculature developing on anterior lens surface communicates
with the hyloid vasculature on posterior surface of lens and contributes
to formation of tunica vasculosa lentis. Regression of this tunica
vasculosa lentis begins in 6th month of intrauterine life so that visual
axis is optically clear. It gets completed by 8 months of gestation4.
When there is aberration in this physiological involutional
development, few fine, tenacious strands are left behind in the visual
axis. Such strands account for persistent pupillary membrane. It may
range from freely floating thin fibrillary strands to thick ones, arising
from iris stroma at the level of the collarette and getting attached to
anterior lens surface or more commonly to the strands of iris on other
side. If these strands are large enough, they can interrupt the visual
axis; if present over prolonged period, they can lead to stimulus
deprivation amblyopia and anisometric amblyopia5 depending on the
symmetry of PPM in both eyes.