Choroidal neo-vascularization presentation in younger age group (pre-senile)

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the most common cause of permanent visual loss in the elderly. Advancing age, as the name suggests, is a major risk factor. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) along with other factors could be responsible for the dramatic damage in the eyes. Although uncommon in pre-senile group, this disorder can also occur unrelated to age, such as pathologic myopia in which Fuch s spots can classically be seen. It can also occur following traumatic disruption of the Bruch s membrane. Herein we report a case of a 20- year-old healthy female with no known co-morbidities who presented with complaints of sudden central visual loss in her left eye over the course of a few days (one week) with no preceding history of traumatic event or predisposing factor. To investigate the cause, Optical Coherence Tomography/Fluorescein angiography (OCT/FFA) was ordered which exhibited the classical signs of choroidal neo-vascularization.