Abstract

Subretinal neovascularization occurs in association with age-related maculopathy, histoplasmosis, angioid streaks, trauma and myopia.¹ Other less common associations include optic nerve head drusen, choroidal tumors, pigment epithelial hamartomas, photocoagulation, rubella retinopathy and various inflammatory disorders such as multifocal posterior pigment epitheliopathy and Harada's disease.¹ The clinical appearance of subretinal neovascularization is a dirty gray or green discoloration at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium.^1,2 New vessel growth may be accompanied by a serous, exudative or hemorrhagic detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium or neurosensory retina. Early treatment of neovascular membrane by laser photocoagulation has been shown to be of benefit in limiting vision loss for some patients.^3,4 Prompt recognition and localization of the neovascular process is essential for successful treatment. Fluorescein angiography is the standard method used to confirm the presence and anatomical location of subretinal neovascular membranes.^1,2,5,6

© 1988 Optical Society of America