Which statement best describes Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPMs)?

Which statement best describes Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPMs)?

• A. Most common congenital defect that are persistent anterior remnants of tunica vasculosa
• B. Aquired membranes due to trauma
• C. Membranes in posterior chamber due to hyaloid
• D. Congenital absence of pupil

Answer: (A)

Persistent Pupillary Membranes come from the failure of regression of the fetal vascular network that normally surrounds the developing iris and lens—the tunica vasculosa lentis. This leaves fine strands or sheets in the anterior chamber that cross the pupil. That’s why they’re described as congenital anterior remnants of the tunica vasculosa and are a common mild anterior segment finding. They’re usually harmless, but if dense enough to cover part of the pupil they can blur vision or cause refractive issues, in which case laser or surgical management may be considered. They are not acquired from trauma, not located in the posterior chamber from the hyaloid system, and not a congenital absence of the pupil.

Persistent Pupillary Membranes come from the failure of regression of the fetal vascular network that normally surrounds the developing iris and lens—the tunica vasculosa lentis. This leaves fine strands or sheets in the anterior chamber that cross the pupil. That’s why they’re described as congenital anterior remnants of the tunica vasculosa and are a common mild anterior segment finding. They’re usually harmless, but if dense enough to cover part of the pupil they can blur vision or cause refractive issues, in which case laser or surgical management may be considered. They are not acquired from trauma, not located in the posterior chamber from the hyaloid system, and not a congenital absence of the pupil.