PERSISTENT HYPERPLASTIC VITREOUS
Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV) is a congenital eye disorder characterized by the abnormal development of the vitreous body, which is the clear gel that fills the inside of the eye. It is a rare condition, affecting about one in every 10,000 to 20,000 infants.
Symptoms:
- The most common symptom of PHPV is a white reflex in the pupil, known as leukocoria, which can be seen in photographs taken with a flash.
- Strabismus, or crossed eyes, is another common symptom.
- Nystagmus, or involuntary eye movements, may also be present.
- PHPV can also cause severe visual impairment or blindness.
Causes:
- PHPV is caused by the failure of the hyaloid artery, which is responsible for the development of the vitreous body, to regress during fetal development.
- It can also be caused by a mutation in the PAX6 gene, which is responsible for the development of the eye.
- PHPV can be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, meaning that a child has a 50% chance of inheriting the condition if one parent is affected.
Diagnosis:
- PHPV is usually diagnosed during a routine eye exam in infancy.
- A thorough examination of the eye, including a dilated fundus examination, is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
- Imaging tests, such as ultrasonography or MRI, may also be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the condition.
Treatment:
- The treatment of PHPV depends on the severity of the condition.
- In mild cases, observation and frequent follow-up examinations may be all that is needed.
- In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the abnormal tissue and prevent further visual impairment.
- Surgery is usually performed between the ages of 6 and 12 months, and the prognosis is generally good if the surgery is done early.
- In some cases, it may be necessary to repair or remove the lens, and use of contact lenses or glasses may also be required to improve vision.
PHPV is a congenital disorder which requires early diagnosis and treatment in order to prevent blindness. Parents should be aware of the signs and symptoms of PHPV and seek prompt medical attention if they suspect their child may be affected.
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