[Subconjunctival bevacizumab for corneal neovascularization].

PURPOSE: To assess efficacy and safety of subconjunctival bevacizumab in corneal neovascularization treatment.

METHODS

The study was a prospective case series that included patients treated with subconjunctival bevacizumab injections for corneal neovascularization over a period of four months. A dose of 2.5 mg (0.1 mL) of bevacizumab (25 mg/mL) was injected into the subconjunctival area 1-2mm behind the limbus near the corneal neovascularization. The main outcome measures were visual acuity, corneal neovascularization, as well as local and general side effects.

RESULTS

Thirteen eyes of 12 patients were included. The mean patient age was 44.2 years (range, 18-87 years). Patients received from two to four bevacizumab injections. The mean corneal neovascularization area decreased from 41.1 to 33.7 % at day 45 (p=0.0003) and to 33.9 % at day 120 (p=0.0013). Median visual acuity changed from 1.32 to 1.28 LogMAR on day 45 and to 1.25 LogMAR on day 120. Subconjunctival bevacizumab was well tolerated without general side effects. There was no significant change in intraocular pressure. An epithelial defect was described in three patients after initiation of bevacizumab therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Subconjunctival bevacizumab injections were effective and safe in reducing corneal neovascularization within the first four months. Meanwhile, improving vision may provide additional strategies.