What findings indicate active CNV?

Active choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is typically characterized by specific findings that suggest a progression of the disease process rather than stability or healing. The presence of fluid or hemorrhage indicates an active and ongoing leakage from the abnormal blood vessels. This occurs because active CNV involves the formation of new, fragile blood vessels that can leak fluid into the retina, resulting in subretinal or intraretinal fluid accumulation and sometimes bleeding.

The detection of fluid or hemorrhage not only signifies that the CNV is active but also suggests that treatment may be necessary to prevent further vision loss. In contrast, stable vision, previous treatment responses, and improvements in visual acuity suggest that the CNV may be inactive or that the patient has responded well to previous interventions, making them less indicative of current activity in the CNV. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective monitoring and management of conditions associated with CNV, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).