Surgical technique for removing an extensive persistent pupillary membrane.

We describe a simple, safe, and effective surgical technique to manage an extensive persistent pupillary membrane. Strands of the membrane are dragged and cut outside the cornea via 4 1.5 to 2.0 mm clear corneal wounds at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock. After the membrane is completely removed, the corneal wound is hydrated with a balanced salt solution. With this technique, no instruments cross the pupil, fewer procedures are performed in the anterior chamber than in other surgical methods, and surgeons can easily manage the membrane.