Laser-induced choroidal neovascularization: A case report and some reflection on animal models for age-related...

Laser induced maculopathy includes retinal photoreceptor disruption, macular hole, macular hemorrhage, and rarely choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Here we report a case of laser induced CNV that was treated by intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection and resulted in visual improvement and CNV resolution during 1-year follow up. In addition, the case of laser induced CNV treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are reviewed for the first time in literature.

A 7-year-old boy presented to our department with blurred vision in his right eye for 2 months. The symptom immediately happened after the boy staring at the laser beam for a few seconds. Examination of ocular fundus with slit lamp showed yellowish lesion in macula in his right eye.

CNV was confirmed by fundus examinations, including color fundus photograph, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography angiography.

After the diagnosis of laser induced CNV, intravitreal ranibizumab (LUCENTIS, NOVARTIS) injection was performed.

After 1 injection of intravitreal ranibizumab, the best corrected visual acuity improved from 20/50 to 30/50 and CNV gradually regressed during 1-year follow up.

For young patients with laser induced CNV, intravitreal anti-VEGF injections may be helpful in visual improvement and CNV regression. Moreover, age seems to be a significant factor thus we propose that old animals may be more appropriate for laser induced CNV animal models of age-related macular degeneration.