Long-term follow-up of a case with persistent pupillary membrane treated by sequential argon-YAG laser membranectomy

Abstract

To report a case with extensive persistent pupillary membrane treated by sequential argon-YAG laser membranectomy. A 33-year-old female had a prominent persistent pupillary membrane obstructing the visual axis of the right eye, thereby preventing measurement of refraction even after mydriasis. Her uncorrected vision was 20/400. Firstly, the argon laser was used to photocoagulate the part of the membrane adhering to the iris surface and so to prevent any bleeding caused by the YAG laser. Secondly the YAG laser was used to photodisrupt the membrane remnant attached to the iris. Mild pigment dispersion was found in the anterior chamber, without associated microhemorrhages after the laser treatments. Spontaneous reabsorption of the free floating membrane occurred 1 week after the membranectomy. After an 8-year follow-up period, her right corrected visual acuity increased to 20/40 with high myopia. No ocular complications or membrane recurrence were noted. Sequential argon-YAG laser membranectomy may effectively be used to treat persistent pupillary membrane without any long-term risk of major side effects.