Angioid Streaks, & Hemorrage

[pita48]

Hi,
I am a 47 yr. old female.   I was just diagnosed with Angioid Streaks, with a hemorrage on my right retina.  I have the same conditions going on in my left eye but luckily without any hemorrage.  I received an injection with an experimental drug and will undergo another injection in a month.  I am also being sent to a dermatologist for a skin biopsy to see if I have PXE.   How common is this?  Are there other treatments available?  Can I do anything to prevent a hemorrage on the other eye?  I understand I may not regain my full vision in the right eye..  Is there a hospital or any type of clinic that specializes in this or am I receiving the best possible care now?  
Thank You,
Teressa

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Good luck and congratulations to your competent physicians.

JCH MD

[pita48]

Update
I have been diagnosed with PXE.   The dermatologist was impressed with my retinal specialist for recognizing the signs and acting so quickly.  I now have the unfortunate task of contacting my father and brother to make sure they get to a retinal specialist.  My children will also have to be checked.  
My next step is to speak with my G.P. as she has been away on vacation for the past couple of weeks.  Then I will need a Cardio work up.   My next Avastin injection is at the end of the month.
Thank You for  your help, and support,
Teressa

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

There are usually more than one injection required and they are given over a period of many months and constant attention must be paid to reoccurence.

JCH MD

[pita48]

Thank you for the responses.  I have been feeling overwhelmed, nervous, etc.  since the diagnosis and initial injection this week.   Yes, I am myopic along with astigmatism, and Presbyopia.  I started having blurred vision in my right eye about 2 weeks ago.  I went to my optometrist whom upon examination immediately sent me to the retinal specialist.   My vision seems worse today.  How long does it take for the injections to work?  
Thanks!

[dukey]

Read here for more info:

http://www.****.***

[dukey]

Yes it is. Are you myopic? As Dr Hagan says, anti-VEGF treatment is really a "miracle" treatment for CNV now and I am sure you will make very good recovery. A few years ago, your prospects may have been very different.

[pita48]

Thank You for your comments.  I am being treated by a retinal specialist.  I was injected with Avastin and will have a repeat injection in four weeks.   Is it possible to have the streaks, and choroidal neovasculirization  without having any other underlying disease?

Thank you,
Teressa

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

1. Angiod streaks are uncommon but not rare, Pseudoxanthoma elasticum is quite unusual.
2. You should be under the care of an eye MD opthalmologist that specializes in retinal diseases. The treatment of choroidal neovasculirization of the type you have has been revolutionized by treatment with Avastin, Lucentis, and Macugen.

JCH MD