Choroidal Neovascularization Treatment in Connecticut: Preserve Your Vision with Expert Retinal Care
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a serious retinal condition that can lead to permanent vision loss without prompt treatment. Your vision is one of your most valuable senses. If you notice changes, such as blurred central vision, distorted lines, or dark spots, don’t wait. At Retina Consultants, P.C., we combine advanced retinal technology with decades of clinical expertise to diagnose and treat complex retinal diseases, including choroidal neovascularization. With more than 800 vision-saving surgeries annually, you can trust our vitreoretinal team with precise care even for the most complex retinal conditions.
What is choroidal neovascularization?
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the choroid. The choroid is the layer between the sclera and the retina that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the outer layers of the retina. Abnormal blood vessels cause fluid and blood to leak into the retina, leading to retinal damage over days or months.
Symptoms of CNV can develop suddenly or gradually. Common warning signs include:
- Blurred or distorted central vision
- Straight lines appearing wavy
- Dark or gray spots in vision
- Reduced color brightness
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
- Sudden loss of central vision
If you spot any of these changes, you need urgent retinal evaluation. Prompt treatment helps preserve your vision.
What causes choroidal neovascularization?
Several retinal and systemic conditions can trigger abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina. Common causes include:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Severe nearsightedness (pathologic myopia)
- Ocular histoplasmosis
- Eye trauma or injury
- Severe ocular inflammation, such as uveitis or sarcoidosis
- Angioid streaks and retinal disorders
- Choroidal tumors
The exact cause of CNV is unknown. However, it’s believed that CNV develops when the retina releases excessive amounts of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that stimulates abnormal vessel formation. VEGF is naturally found in the eye and helps maintain the retina. However, oxygen deprivation, inflammation, and other stressors can increase its production, thereby heightening the risk of CNV.
How do you diagnose choroidal neovascularization?
At Retina Consultants, P.C., our retinal specialists use advanced diagnostic imaging to evaluate retinal health and detect abnormal blood vessel growth as early as possible.
Diagnostic testing may include:
- Comprehensive dilated retinal examination
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Fluorescein angiography
- Ultrasound imaging
These technologies allow us to identify fluid leakage, bleeding, retinal swelling, and other signs of CNV with exceptional precision.
What are the treatment options for choroidal neovascularization?
Treatment depends on the underlying condition. Your retinal specialist may recommend one or a combination of treatments, including:
- Anti-VEGF treatment: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulates the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye. To stop this process, your eye doctor injects anti-VEGF medication directly into the eye to slow or prevent further vessel growth. Multiple injections may be recommended to achieve the best possible results. Medications such as Beovu, Eylea, and Lucentis can help stabilize vision and, in some cases, improve it.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT): Treatment combines light therapy with specific medication to target abnormal blood vessels and decrease fluid leakage.
- Laser photocoagulation: In select cases, your retina specialist can use a laser to seal leaking blood vessels and reduce further retinal damage.
Where can I find treatment for choroidal neovascularization in Connecticut?
CNV can permanently damage the retina if treatment is delayed. The earlier we treat the abnormal vessel growth, the better the chances of preserving functional vision. Don’t wait until your vision worsens. Take action today and seek advanced retinal care at Retina Consultants, P.C. Our vitreoretinal specialists combine medical and surgical expertise to diagnose and treat vision-threatening conditions, such as choroidal neovascularization.
To book a consultation with our retinal team, contact us:
Hartford
Manchester
Cromwell
Farmington
