Iatrogenic choroidal neovascularization

Iatrogenic choroidal neovascularization is an uncommon complication of laser photocoagulation and other ocular surgical procedures. It appears to be the result of a number of conditions, including damaged Bruch's membrane and/or retinal pigment epithelium, whose reparative processes trigger the release of angiogenic factors. Inflammatory cells and choroidal ischemia may also play a role. The prognosis varies depending on the underlying disease and the type of choroidal neovascularization (subretinal, chorioretinal, or choriovitreal). Minimizing the amount of laser energy used during laser procedures, avoiding repeat laser treatment to the same retinal area, and minimizing direct mechanical trauma to the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid decrease the chance of inducing iatrogenic choroidal neovascularization.