Sequential argon-YAG laser membranectomy and phacoemulsification for treatment of persistent pupillary membrane and associated cataract

We report a case of a persistent pupillary membrane (PPM) associated with a cataract managed by sequential argon-YAG laser membranectomy and phacoemulsification. A 30-year-old woman had an extensive PPM and anterior capsular opacity of the lens in the right eye. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/60. Argon laser photocoagulation was performed at the junction of the PPM and the iris collarette. Subsequently, a neodymium:YAG laser was used to sever the strands of the PPM. These laser procedures resulted in shrinkage of the PPM without hemorrhage in the iris or other complications. The patient had clear corneal sutureless phacoemulsification uneventfully on the next day. The BCVA improved to 20/25 3 months following the treatment. We conclude that combined sequential argon-YAG laser membranectomy and modern phacoemulsification surgery can effectively be used to treat PPM associated with cataract without bleeding of the iris or other major side effects.