Nonexudative Choroidal Neovascularization as a Precursor to Exudation

In this interview from ASRS 2018, Dr. Huang discusses his study exploring the use of OCT angiography (OCT-A) to identify patients at high risk for progression to exudation. The prospective imaging study included eyes with asymptomatic nonexudative type 1 choroidal neovascular membranes (CNV) in 1 eye, and a diagnosis of wet AMD in their fellow eye. The CNV lesions were not seen on fluorescein angiography or structural OCT. Most of these eyes eventually developed exudation over the course of 6 months. According to Dr. Huang, the findings hint that OCT-A can be used to identify nonexudative CNV lesions that require close monitoring. Future studies should address if prophylactic treatment of these lesions can prevent progression to exudation.

Relevant Financial Disclosures: Dr. Huang is an equity owner, has patents and receives grant support and lecture fees from Optovue.