[A suggestion on the microsurgical treatment of the persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous body (PHPV) (author's transl)].

Three children suffering from PHPV are described, who originally had been sent to the hospital because of suspected retinoblastoma. Exstirpation of the PHPV after opening the anterior chamber with a corneal cut of 180 degrees under the microscope seems a recommendable treatment. The A. hyaloidea has to be observed carefully during the preparation. In order to avoid massive hemorrhage into the vitreous, it is necessary to ligate this vessel before cutting. The cosmetical results were good but the visual acuity was unsatisfactory. The problems arising after a successful operation of the PHPV are similar to those in children with unilateral cataract.