Vision - Subretinal neovascular membrane

Author

Subretinal neovascular membrane - recommendations?

-L. :

2004-10-20, 11:12 am

Hi All,

Excuse me if I don't have the terminology right.

I am 41, female, non-diabetic, near-sighted and have been diagnosed
today with subretinal neovascular membrane (SNM). It has not affected
my center of vision but is quite large. I do not appear to have a
tumor. I am seeking a surgical opinion next Monday and am interested
in finding out as much info as I can about this condition before I go.

I am also looking for recommendations for top-notch eye surgery
centers where I might have this surgery done (willing to travel
anywhere in the US - I currently live in Portland, OR).

The doctor who diagnosed this said I do not seem to have macular
degeneration but from all of the research I have done it seems SNM is
synonymous with "wet" form of macular degneration (?). I will post my
story below, as it was explained to me by my doctor. Any info is
appreciated.

Thanks,

-L.

I have been having a little spot of flashing in my left eye for a few
months - I thought it was associated with migraien headaches and lack
of sleep, or from too much computer late at night. Over the last
three days I developed a blurry spot in my vision in my left eye. I
saw an opthamologist today and have been diagnosed with subretinal
neovascular membrane which is the abnormal development of blood
vessels under the retina, which then bleed. It's an extremely rare
condition and usually affects older people with macular degeneration
(m.d.) or is indicative of a tumor. The opthamologist said he doesn't
see an indication of m.d. or a tumor (the good news), but is sending
me to a retinal specialist for better characterization and to see if
it is operable. If so, they will likely do laser surgery to seal the
blood vessels and stop the bleeding, which could leave me partially
blind in my left eye (the bad news) or at best, will keep my eyesight
at it's current level of blurriness. If they are unable to do the
surgery, the condition will progress until I am completely blind in my
left eye (worst-case). They are a bit concerned at this point because
the area that is affected is quite large.

Dr. Leukoma

2004-10-20, 11:12 am

usenetlyn@yahoo.com (-L.

wrote in
news:d8d786de.0410160109.1585a9ad@posting.google.com:

> Hi All,
>
> Excuse me if I don't have the terminology right.
>
> I am 41, female, non-diabetic, near-sighted and have been diagnosed
> today with subretinal neovascular membrane (SNM). It has not affected
> my center of vision but is quite large. I do not appear to have a
> tumor. I am seeking a surgical opinion next Monday and am interested
> in finding out as much info as I can about this condition before I go.
>
> I am also looking for recommendations for top-notch eye surgery
> centers where I might have this surgery done (willing to travel
> anywhere in the US - I currently live in Portland, OR).

Try the Texas Retina group in Dallas, Texas.

DrG

>
> The doctor who diagnosed this said I do not seem to have macular
> degeneration but from all of the research I have done it seems SNM is
> synonymous with "wet" form of macular degneration (?). I will post my
> story below, as it was explained to me by my doctor. Any info is
> appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> -L.
>
>
> I have been having a little spot of flashing in my left eye for a few
> months - I thought it was associated with migraien headaches and lack
> of sleep, or from too much computer late at night. Over the last
> three days I developed a blurry spot in my vision in my left eye. I
> saw an opthamologist today and have been diagnosed with subretinal
> neovascular membrane which is the abnormal development of blood
> vessels under the retina, which then bleed. It's an extremely rare
> condition and usually affects older people with macular degeneration
> (m.d.) or is indicative of a tumor. The opthamologist said he doesn't
> see an indication of m.d. or a tumor (the good news), but is sending
> me to a retinal specialist for better characterization and to see if
> it is operable. If so, they will likely do laser surgery to seal the
> blood vessels and stop the bleeding, which could leave me partially
> blind in my left eye (the bad news) or at best, will keep my eyesight
> at it's current level of blurriness. If they are unable to do the
> surgery, the condition will progress until I am completely blind in my
> left eye (worst-case). They are a bit concerned at this point because
> the area that is affected is quite large.
>

-L. :

2004-10-24, 2:09 am

"Dr. Leukoma" <drgNOSPAM@leukoma.com> wrote in message news:<Xns9585BEA97C2BDdrgleukomacom@204.127.199.17>...
> "RM" <privacy@piracy.net> wrote in news:ckuqhl02me4@enews3.newsguy.com:
>
>
> Perhaps there are retinal specialists in the Portland area who have
> estensive experience with this type of surgery. However, I know that
> retinal surgeons within the Texas Retina group have been doing this for at
> least a decade. If you want more information, please don't hesitate to
> contact me.
>
> Drg

Thanks to all who responded. I saw the first specialist today and am
now doing research to try to determine the best course of action -
will be seeking 2nd and 3rd opinions. Per three physicians, this
condition is rare in someone my age and the presentation is
unexpected. The angiogram was much worse that I had hoped for, but it
does appear operable (in first doc's opinion) which is the good news.

Thanks again, and hopefully I will have a positive outcome soon. Will
post an update if anyone is interested.

-L.

PS/Drg - Have been reading research papers from the Texas group which
have been helpful, so thanks for the rec.

2004-10-24, 2:09 am

I recommend you immediately go to a good retina specialist. I am certain
that there are at least a few good specialists in the Portland area. Sorry
I don't have any names. This is a problem that needs to be dealt with
soon-- it is potentially sight-threatening. However, there are not just a
few good places to go to in the country. The people you need to see are
close at hand. Ask a few local eye doctors (both optometrists and
ophthalmologists) who the best retinal specialists are in your area and when
you start to hear the same name mentioned a few different times you know who
to contact! Treating subretinal neovascular membranes is not a rare
procedure.

-------------

"Dr. Leukoma" <drgNOSPAM@leukoma.com> wrote in message
news:Xns95844AFDB90F1drgleukomacom@204.127.204.17...
> usenetlyn@yahoo.com (-L.

wrote in
> news:d8d786de.0410160109.1585a9ad@posting.google.com:
>
>
> Try the Texas Retina group in Dallas, Texas.
>
> DrG
>
>