Neovascularization is a process that can occur in your body when new blood vessels grow. There are many places this can happen in your eye, including the retina and cornea. These new vessels may leak and cause vision loss.
Neovascularization of the eye refers to new blood vessels forming where and when they shouldn’t form. There may also be too many of them, even if they’re in the right place. New fibrous tissues often form afterward between the new vessels, which can decrease vision.
Neovascularization in your eye can cause inflammation and scarring and may result in loss of vision.
Neovascularization usually happens as a result of injury or disease. In your eye, it can affect your:
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) refers to new blood vessels in your choroid.
This type of condition most often happens in people who have age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Experts believe high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) made by the retina in someone with AMD cause CNV.
The new blood vessels that grow aren’t normal. They let fluid and sometimes even blood leak into the retina. Fluid and blood may cause a blister in your retina.
The things that cause CNV can cause macular neovascularization (MNV). However, there are MNV cases with an unknown cause. These are called idiopathic.
Corneal neovascularization refers to new blood vessels growing in your cornea, an area of your eye that normally doesn’t have blood vessels. Your cornea is normally clear, but blood vessels cause changes that may interfere with how transparent your cornea is.
Corneal neovascularization is associated with many kinds of eye conditions.
Retinal neovascularization refers to new abnormal blood vessel growth in your retina, the part of your eye that contains light-sensing cells. Diseases and injuries can cause this.
Iris neovascularization is the term for new and abnormal blood vessel growth on the iris of your eye. Another name for this condition is rubeosis iridis. It’s related to a type of glaucoma called neovascular glaucoma. Glaucoma, which harms your optic nerve, is also a threat to vision.
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Symptoms and signs of ocular neovascularization may vary depending on what area is affected.
You may not have symptoms if you have corneal vascularization, but if you do, you might have:
There are many things that can cause ocular neovascularization.
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A provider can detect neovascularization of the eye using a variety of techniques. They may include:
Treatment of ocular neovascularization depends on the cause of the neovascularization of the eye. Typically, these treatments include medications and/or ablation (destruction) of the blood vessels. These medications include:
A provider may destroy the abnormal tissue using:
These methods may have complications. For instance, both steroids and anti-VEGF medicines can cause side effects throughout your body. Ablation may sometimes affect healthy tissue. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk and benefits of each treatment.
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There are things that you can do to protect your eyes, including:
If neovascularization isn’t treated, you may lose your vision. This can affect your quality of life.
Successful treatment may depend on where the neovascularization is taking place, your age and whether or not you have other health conditions.
Always see a healthcare provider immediately if you have a sudden loss of vision or eye pain. Contact an eye care provider if you notice vision changes or other symptoms that concern you.
You should see your eye care provider as often as they recommend. If you have certain eye conditions, you may need more frequent visits.
You may want to ask your provider any of the following questions:
Angiogenesis refers to blood vessels forming from previously existing blood vessels. Vasculogenesis refers to vessels starting from cells (sort of like starting from scratch). Neovascularization combines both ways of developing new blood vessels.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
It’s normal to be anxious when you face a threat to your eyesight. In addition to following healthy lifestyle habits, it’s good to get regular eye exams. It’s also important to reach out to a healthcare provider whenever you have any change in your vision. In nearly every case, treatment that starts early is better for you than treatment that’s delayed.
Last reviewed on 09/07/2022.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy