Choroidal Neovascular Membrane (CNVM) is a significant cause of central vision loss. It involves the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels beneath the retina—the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye—primarily affecting the macula, the central part of the retina. These vessels originate from the capillaries of the underlying choroid (the vascular layer that supplies blood to the retina) and are highly fragile, making them prone to bleeding.

 CNVM is most commonly seen in the elderly, particularly in association with macular degeneration, but it can occur in other age groups depending on the underlying cause. 

Causes of Choroidal Neovascular Membrane:

 - Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD): The most common cause of CNVM, Wet ARMD accounts for 10-15% of all ARMD cases and is characterised by the presence of CNVM.

- High Myopia: Individuals with severe nearsightedness (high minus power) are at risk of CNVM due to axial elongation. The incidence of CNVM in pathological myopia is approximately 5%.

- Angioid Streaks: This retinal condition can lead to CNVM and is associated with several systemic diseases, including pseudoxanthoma elasticum, Paget's disease of bone, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and other blood disorders.

- Inflammatory Disorders: CNVM in the macular region is a major cause of vision loss in conditions such as presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS), congenital toxoplasmosis, choroiditis, and other inflammatory disorders. CNVM typically occurs at the edge of an old, healed chorioretinal scar.

- Trauma: Traumatic ruptures of Bruch's membrane, known as choroidal ruptures, can result from blunt eye injuries and may lead to the development of CNVM. This condition often appears a few weeks or months after the trauma.

- Idiopathic: When CNVM develops without any identifiable underlying pathology in the eye, it is classified as idiopathic.

Prevalence of CNVM in Wet AMD

• Wet AMD affects about 10–15% of all AMD cases, but it accounts for 90% of severe vision loss related to AMD.
• The global prevalence of AMD is estimated at 8.7%, with wet AMD being a smaller but significant proportion.
• CNVM incidence in Wet AMD is estimated at 1–2% per year in people over 50, increasing with age.

Prevalence in Pathologic Myopia (mCNV)

• Pathologic myopia (high myopia) can also lead to CNVM, called myopic CNV (mCNV).
• 5-10% of people with high myopia may develop CNVM over time.
• The risk increases with age, with a peak occurrence between ages 45-64.

Prevalence in Other Conditions

• Diabetic Retinopathy: CNVM is rare but can develop in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
• Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome (OHS): Around 5% of OHS patients develop CNVM.
• Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSC): Some chronic CSC cases can lead to CNVM.

Symptoms of CNVM:

 Painless Loss of Central Vision: Patients often experience blurry vision, making tasks like reading, writing, sewing, and other close-up work difficult.

- Metamorphopsia (Intermediate Stage of ARMD): The perception of distorted images, such as straight lines appearing curved, reduces visual quality, making it challenging to recognise faces and objects.

- Central Black Spot (Advanced Stage of ARMD): In advanced stages, a central black spot (scotoma) may appear, though peripheral vision is usually preserved in most cases.

At SHREE JEE NETRA AROGYAM, Choroidal Neovascular Membrane (CNVM) is treated with great success.

At SHREE JEE NETRA AROGYAM, we offer a specialized CNVM Ayurvedic treatment that focuses on reducing abnormal blood vessel growth and reducing macular oedema, managing symptoms, and preserving vision naturally.