Choroidal neo-vascularization presentation in younger age group (pre-senile)

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in older adults.
• Key risk factors include advanced age and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
• ARMD can occur in younger individuals due to conditions like pathologic myopia or Bruch's membrane trauma.

Observation:

• A 20-year-old female with no comorbidities reported rapid, unilateral central vision loss.
• No history of trauma or predisposing factors was noted.
• Clinical examination revealed sudden onset of visual impairment.

Findings:

• Optical Coherence Tomography/Fluorescein Angiography (OCT/FFA) confirmed choroidal neovascularization (CNV).
• The findings were consistent with CNV, a hallmark of wet ARMD.
• The case presented atypical features for ARMD due to the patient's age and lack of risk factors.

Implications:

• This case underscores that CNV can occur in young, healthy individuals without typical ARMD risk factors.
• It suggests a need to consider CNV in the differential diagnosis of sudden vision loss in younger populations.
• Further research may elucidate non-age-related triggers for CNV and inform broader diagnostic approaches.