What Is Choroidal Neovascularization, How Is It Treated?
APR 11, 2014
Question:
What is choroidal neovascularization and is there treatment for it?
Answer:
Choroidal neovascularization (or CNV) is the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina. CNV can occur in a variety of conditions, and its effects are sometimes known as choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVM). Age-related macular degeneration is the most common condition CNV occurs with, but it is also seen with others. The primary treatment for CNV is injection of medications into the eye's vitreous cavity. These medications are called anti-VEGF, because they block the activity of a substance in the body called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), shown to be the common factor contributing to CNV. Patients frequently require multiple anti-VEGF injections, usually given at four week intervals.