Topical and subconjunctival bevacizumab for corneal neovascularization in an experimental rat model.

AIMS: To evaluate and compare the inhibitory effects of topical and subconjunctival bevacizumab on corneal neovascularization in a rat model.

METHODS

Twenty corneas of 20 rats were chemically cauterized with silver nitrate sticks. Animals were randomized into four groups: a control group that received only topical artificial tear drops twice daily, a subconjunctival injection group that received 1.25 mg (0.05 ml) of bevacizumab on the 1st, 4th, and 7th day, and two topical bevacizumab groups that received instillation of 4 or 12.5 mg/ml bevacizumab twice daily. Digital photographs of the cornea were taken and analyzed using an image analysis software program. On the 10th day, corneas were excised and examined histologically.

RESULTS

The mean percentage of the vascularized corneal area (%) in the control group was 63.32 ± 13.10 (mean ± SD), compared with 30.22 ± 15.73 in the subconjunctival injection group, 26.76 ± 10.23 in the 4-mg/ml topical group, and 25.52 ± 12.45 in the 12.5-mg/ml group. The differences between the control and each treatment group were significant (all p < 0.01). Further, histological examination revealed that each treatment group had fewer vessels than the control group (all p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Both subconjunctival injection and topical use of bevacizumab are effective and safe in controlling corneal neovascularization.