Choroidal neovascularization

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is one of the most challenging problems faced by retina specialists. It is a common cause of severe visual loss in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and younger patients with one of many diseases that affect the choroid–Bruch’s membrane–retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) complex, including but not limited to ocular histoplasmosis, myopic degeneration, angioid streaks, and multifocal choroiditis. Current treatments are aimed at destroying CNV. However, even when ablative treatments are initially successful, they are plagued by high rates of recurrences, because they do not address underlying angiogenic stimuli (1). Understanding of the molecular signals involved in the occurrence of CNV could provide the basis for the development of new effective treatments.