Choroidal Neovascularization Secondary to Myopia, Infection and Inflammation

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a significant cause of vision loss in all age groups. The most common cause of CNV is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, CNV can also occur as a secondary manifestation of various inherited and acquired conditions, including pathologic myopia, presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome, angioid streaks, and various hereditary, traumatic or inflammatory disorders. Fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography are useful tools in the diagnosis and evaluation of CNV. Treatment options are similar to those for CNV secondary to AMD, specifically anti-angiogenic therapy, but including laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy and surgery. Anti-angiogenic therapy has been associated with better visual outcomes than other treatment modalities and is now advocated as the first-line therapy for CNV secondary to myopia, infection and inflammation.