Intravitreal bevacizumab (avastin) as an adjuvant treatment in cases of neovascular glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab (avastin) injection in cases of neovascular glaucoma.

STUDY

DESIGN

Clinical case series.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Sixteen eyes of 16 patients with rubeosis iridis and secondary glaucoma were administered intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (2.5 mg). The patients were followed for 2 months.

RESULTS

We noted partial or complete regression of iris neovascularization 1 week after injection of bevacizumab. Reproliferation of new vessels was detected in 25% of the cases after 2 months. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) before injection was 28+/- 9.3 mm Hg under topical ss-blocker and systemic acetazolamide. One week after injection, the IOP decreased to 21.7+/- 11.5 mm Hg (5 cases without anti-glaucoma drugs, 6 cases with topical ss-blocker and 5 cases with both topical ss-blocker and systemic acetazolamide).

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal bevacizumab (avastin) injection leads to regression of iris neovascularization with subsequent drop of IOP in eyes with neovascular glaucoma.