You have Choroidal Neovascularization? What's that??

This is something that has been part of my life since I was 19. This was something that I have had in the cards for my whole life, but I had no idea. Genetics are a bitch sometimes, and it just so happened that my parents took a dip in the gene pool for me, and this just happened to be one of those things that got put in the mix
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What is Chorodial Neovascularization? Well, when I was diagnosed, I was told I have Chorodial Neovascular degeneration - however I believe that they are the same thing. It's only more recently in the last couple of years that there is more on the subject when I google it.

Here is the break down for those who don't know. This is from Wikipedia but since it can change, I'll just post it on here.

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the creation of new blood vessels in the choroid layer of the eye. This is a common symptom of the degenerative maculopathy wet AMD (age-related macular degeneration).[1]

Causes

CNV can occur rapidly in individuals with defects in Bruch's membrane, the innermost layer of the choroid. It is also associated with excessive amounts of Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). As well as in wet AMD, CNV can also occur frequently with the rare genetic disease pseudoxanthoma elasticum and rarely with the more common optic disc drusen. CNV has also been associated with extreme myopia or malignant myopic degeneration, where in choroidal neovascularization occurs primarily in the presence of cracks within the retinal (specifically) macular tissue known as lacquer cracks. (ie.  The retinal wall is too thin and veins are for some reason trying to grow through, causing tears in the retina. These blood vessels are too weak to support themselves so they leak, causing the retina to separate from the back of the eye. The combination of leaking and seperation is causing vision loss. )


Symptoms

CNV can create a sudden deterioration of central vision, noticeable within a few weeks. Other symptoms which can occur include metamorphopsia, and colour disturbances. Hemorrhaging of the new blood vessels can accelerate the onset of symptoms of CNV.
 (Mine were spots of grey vision that looked like the spots when you get migrains. Distorted and patchy, and with flashing. The flashing looked similar to the "snow" you get on television when the station is out.)( When looking an an amsler grid. the lines would be extremely distorted and wavy)

CNV can be detected by measuring the Preferential Hyperacuity Perimeter.[2] On the basis of fluorescein angiography, CNV may be described as classic or occult. ( I actually developed an allergy to the flourescein dye, and no longer can use it. It made me so dizzy I passed out, and possibly stopped breathing for a moment. All I remember was waking up surrounded by doctors and nurses, while laying on the floor. After that day, its all laser photos for me)


Treatment

Standard of care in retinology today are intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs to control neovascularization and reduce the area of fluid below the retinal pigment epithelium. These drugs are commonly known as Avastin and Lucentis, and although their effectiveness has been shown to significantly improve visual prognosis with CNV, the recurrence rate for these neovascular areas remains high. Individuals with CNV should be aware that they are at a much greater risk (25%) of developing CNV in fellow eye, this according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology and further supported by clinical reports. ( I recieved and still receive shots of Avastan in my active eye, and have actually lost count of how many shots I received in total. It is truly an unnerving process, one you cant really imagine until you had it. I will go into detail about this in another point, I have CND in both eyes, one is scarred over but we keep a close "eye" on it, just in case. Other suggested treatments had no affect and were not repeated)

In 'wet' (also known as 'neovascular') Age-Related Macular Degeneration, CNV is treated with photodynamic therapy coupled with a photosensitive drug such as verteporfin. The drug is given intravenously. It is then activated in the eye by a laser light. The drug destroys the new blood vessels, and prevents any new vessels forming by forming thrombi.[3]
Anti-VEGF drugs, such as pegaptanib and ranibizumab, are also used to treat CNV. Anti-VEGFs bind to and inactivate Vascular endothelial growth factor.[4]ci

Thanks for reading
- Sharon