Atypical persistence of tunica vasculosa lentis.

The authors report an unusual case of persistent tunica vasculosa lentis in a patient with minimal retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). A 3-month-old male infant who had been born at 31 weeks' gestation presented with a significant amount of persistent tunica vasculosa lentis and arteriolar tortuosity with minimal ROP and no plus disease. After weekly observation and no surgical intervention, the arteriolar tortuosity lessened but the tunica vasculosa lentis persisted. Persistent tunica vasculosa lentis can be mistaken for iris vascular engorgement, suggesting plus disease and high-risk prethreshold ROP. Differentiation between tunica vasculosa lentis and iris vascular engorgement, as well as correct diagnosis of plus disease, is critical when considering laser treatment for high-risk prethreshold ROP.