Home / Pathologies / Patologies de retina / Neovascular Membrane

Neovascular Membrane

It consists of the growth of harmful blood vessels beneath the retina that can eventually invade the retina itself, leading to fluid accumulation and retinal hemorrhages.

What does it consist of Neovascular Membrane ?

The neovascular membrane, also known as the subretinal neovascular membrane (SNVM), is a serious ocular condition characterized by the abnormal growth of new blood vessels beneath the retina. These abnormal blood vessels can leak fluid and blood, damaging the retina and causing significant vision loss.

Causes of Neovascular Membrane

The exact cause is not always clear, but several factors can increase the risk of developing it, such as:

Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Wet AMD is the most severe form of AMD and is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision.
Diabetes: Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, including the retina, increasing the risk.
Retinal Vein Occlusions: Retinal vein occlusions occur when a vein in the retina is blocked, preventing normal blood flow. This can damage the retina and lead to the growth of new blood vessels.
Ocular Trauma: A blow or injury to the eye can damage the retina and increase the risk of a neovascular membrane.

Symptoms

The symptoms of this condition can appear suddenly or gradually and may include:

Vision Loss: Vision loss can be rapid and severe, affecting one or both eyes.
Blurred or Distorted Vision: Objects may appear blurry, wavy, or misshapen.
Spots or Dark Patches in Vision: Dark spots or patches may be seen in the vision, especially against light backgrounds.
Difficulty Seeing in Low Light Conditions: Night vision may be poor.

Diagnosis

To make an accurate diagnosis, a comprehensive eye examination is performed by an ophthalmologist. The examination may include:

Pupil Dilation: Dilation drops are used to widen the pupil for better visualization of the retina.
Blue Light Examination: Blue light can make abnormal blood vessels more visible.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): OCT is a non-invasive imaging test that provides a detailed image of the retina and subretinal layer, allowing the ophthalmologist to detect the presence and extent of the neovascular membrane.
Fluorescein Angiography: This test uses a fluorescent dye to evaluate blood flow in the retina and detect abnormal blood vessels.

More information about Neovascular Membrane

The treatment of the neovascular membrane is crucial for preventing vision loss and preserving visual function. The most common treatment involves injecting anti-angiogenic medications into the eye. These medications block the growth of new blood vessels and can help stabilize or improve vision.

In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the neovascular membrane. Surgery can be an option if the injection of medications is ineffective or if the neovascular membrane is very large or complex.

After treatment for the neovascular membrane, it is important to have regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist to monitor your condition and response to treatment. In some cases, the neovascular membrane may recur, making it essential to maintain close monitoring with your ophthalmologist to detect any signs of early recurrence.

In summary, a subretinal membrane is an abnormal layer of vascular tissue between the retina and the choroid that can affect vision. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for addressing this condition and preserving visual function. If you experience changes in vision or have concerns about your eye health, it is advisable to seek medical attention for a proper evaluation.

Treatments related to Neovascular Membrane

We have not found any treatments for this pathology

Specialists in the pathology Neovascular Membrane

We have not found specialists for this pathology