Eagleview Eye Clinic

Tag vascular proliferation

CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION

Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV)

Choroidal neovascularization is a condition where new, fragile blood vessels grow from the choroid layer of the eye into the retina. This can cause:

  • Vision loss
  • Distortion
  • Blind spots

Causes

  1. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Most common cause
  2. Myopia: Nearsightedness
  3. Trauma: Eye injury
  4. Inflammatory disorders: Certain conditions like uveitis

Symptoms

  1. Distorted vision: Straight lines appear wavy
  2. Blind spots: Areas of decreased vision
  3. Vision loss: Central vision loss

Treatment

  1. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections: To reduce vessel growth
  2. Photodynamic therapy: To close new vessels
  3. Laser photocoagulation: To destroy new vessels

If you suspect CNV, consult an eye care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment to preserve vision.

SICKLE CELL RETINOPATHY

Sickle Cell Retinopathy

Sickle cell retinopathy is a complication of sickle cell disease that affects the eyes. It occurs when sickled red blood cells damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to:

  • Retinal ischemia (lack of blood flow)
  • Neovascularization (growth of new, fragile blood vessels)
  • Hemorrhages
  • Retinal detachment

Symptoms

  1. Vision loss: Sudden or gradual loss of vision
  2. Floaters: Spots or floaters in vision
  3. Flashes: Flashes of light
  4. Blurred vision: Decreased visual acuity

Treatment

  1. Laser photocoagulation: To treat neovascularization
  2. Intravitreal injections: To reduce inflammation and edema
  3. Vitrectomy: Surgery to remove blood or repair retinal detachment
  4. Regular eye exams: To monitor disease progression

Prevention

  1. Regular eye exams: To detect retinopathy early
  2. Managing sickle cell disease: Controlling the underlying condition

If you have sickle cell disease, it’s essential to have regular eye exams to detect and manage retinopathy. Consult with an eye care professional for personalized advice and treatment.

Anti – VEGF Injection

Anti – VEGF is an injection that is used to prevent or reduce the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye.

VEGF is vascular endothelial growth factor. This VEGF is a cytokine protein responsible for  the growth and proliferation of blood vessels. So injecting the eye with anti VEGF will  eventually reduce the proliferation of new vessels while killing off the new vessels.

This anti-VEGF is a very important technique in treating conditions like diabetic retinopathy, vascular age related macular degeneration, and other vascular eye conditions.

Some anti VEGF drugs includes pegaptanib, afligecept, ranibizumab, bevacizumab