Imaging techniques for the detection of choroidal neovascularization

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) has been associated with a wide variety of chorioretinal disorders, which can cause vascular leakage, bleeding, and scar formation, leading to significant vision loss. The effective and precise detection of CNV is essential for optimal disease management. A classification system has been devised to categorize neovascularization according to its anatomical location. The system distinguishes three distinct types of neovascularization: type 1, type 2, and type 3. According to the exudative features of the new vessels, CNV can be divided into exudative and non-exudative categories. Each type of CNV exhibits unique features across various imaging modalities. The present study reviews contemporary imaging modalities employed in the detection of CNV, with a focus on the underlying mechanisms, their respective advantages and disadvantages, their typical clinical utilization, and the characteristic features of CNV that are discernible through these techniques. The exploration of novel promising imaging techniques for CNV detection including photoacoustic microscopy, AI, photothermal OCT, and functional fluorescent angiography is also performed.