Purpose of review: To highlight the most common methods that are used to detect new-onset choroidal neovascularization (CNV) as a result of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Recent findings: Numerous modalities are available to try to detect CNV. Amsler grid testing, preferential hyperacuity perimetry (PHP), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography are tools that may be used to detect CNV. The Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Detection of Onset of new Choroidal neovascularization Study (AMD DOC Study) evaluated the sensitivity of time domain OCT, relative to fluorescein angiography, in detecting new-onset neovascular AMD within a 2-year period. The sensitivity of each modality for detecting CNV was OCT 0.40 [(95% confidence interval (95% CI) (0.16-0.68), supervised Amsler grid 0.42 (95% CI 0.15-0.72), and PHP 0.50 (95% CI 0.23-0.77)].
Summary: Numerous modalities are available to try to detect CNV. The prospective AMD DOC Study demonstrated that fluorescein angiography still remains the best method to detect new-onset CNV.