ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of limbal vitrectomy for persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) with disappeared anterior chamber and corneal opacity. MethodsSixteen eyes of 16 children with unilateral PHPV were included in this retrospective study. All the 16 eyes had both anterior and posterior disease, including opaque cornea, disappeared anterior chamber, pupil occlusion and extensive synechia, and lens opacity. The visual acuity was hand movement in 1 eye, and light perception in 15 eyes. There were 7 eyes with microphthalmia, 4 eyes with total retinal detachment, 3 eyes with retinal dysplasia, 1 eye with retinal folds, and 4 eyes with high intraocular pressure preoperatively. All the eyes underwent limbal vitrectomy, including dissection of synechia, pupil formation, lensectomy, posterior lens membrane peeling and vitrectomy. Four eyes with retinal detachment received long-acting gas tamponade following vitrectomy. The mean follow-up was 15.8 months (range from 9 to 21 months). ResultsNo eye had intraoperative complications. After surgery, all the 16 eyes had normal anterior chamber, round pupil and improved corneal transparency. Two eyes achieved a final visual acuity of 20/940 or better. Of the 4 eyes with retinal detachment, 3 eyes achieved retinal reattachment. Of the 4 eyes with preoperative high intraocular pressure, 3 eyes had controlled intraocular pressure postoperatively and the remaining 1 eye underwent glaucoma procedure at 6 months after the primary surgery. ConclusionPHPV eyes with disappeared anterior chamber and corneal opacity have a potential for developing better vision with improved cosmetic outcome and controlled intraocular pressure after vitrectomy by limbal approach.