What is Persistent Fetal Vasculature (PFV)? 

PFV is a disease of the blood vessels formed in embryo stage. The primitive vessels formed in embryo stage remains in the baby even though they should have disappeared. This condition usually occurs in children who are born full term.

What are the symptoms of PFV?

A child with PFV will have one smaller eye and may additionally have crossed eyes or poor vision in one eye.

What causes PFV?

Some blood vessels formed within the baby’s eye during the embryo stage should disappear after the baby is born. However, for babies with PFV such embryonic blood vessels persist and affect the structure of the baby’s eyes. Other eye problems that can occur in babies with PFV are Cataract (clouding of natural lens of eye), Retinal Detachment and Hypotony (low pressure within the eye).

What are the available treatments for PFV? 

Certain types of PFV do not affect the vision of the baby severely and the baby’s vision may just require follow-up checks or can be treated with prescription glasses.

Severe cases of PFV require treatment including Vitrectomy – a surgery which removes the vitreous (the jelly-like substance in the eye cavity).

You should discuss the appropriate treatment with your eye doctor.

[NOTE: This FAQ contains general information about medical conditions and its treatment. The information is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor. If you have any medical problem, you should consult a doctor.]