FIBROBLASTIC OVERGROWTH OF PERSISTENT TUNICA VASCULOSA LENTIS IN PREMATURE INFANTS

Abstract

A new syndrome of ocular maldevelopments in infants born prematurely has been reported previously.¹No conclusive statement can be made at this time as to the exact cause or causes of this entity. However, a discussion of the various etiologic factors, stressing the theory that now appears most logical, is of value in bringing the problem to the attention of many observers. By this means the solution may be arrived at more quickly, with regard not only to the most satisfactory preventive measures but to the best treatment, perhaps soon enough to be of practical value for infants now under observation. This syndrome, consisting primarily in bilateral fibroplasia, is based on : (1) persistence of some part of the tunica vasculosa lentis system, (2) growth of embryonic connective tissue behind the crystalline lens and/or (3) persistence of the fibrillar structure of the vitreous humor. It has been pointed out^1c