Intracameral bevacizumab (Avastin) for neovascular glaucoma: a pilot study in 6 patients.

PURPOSE: To describe the use of intracameral bevacizumab (ICB) Avastin in neovascular glaucoma (NVG) as the first maneuver before pan retinal photocoagulation and/or filtering surgery.

METHODS: Between June 2006 and May 2007, 6 consecutive patients with NVG underwent intracameral injection of bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) as the initial treatment of NVG. Pre-ICB and post-ICB anterior segment photography, iris fluoresceingraphy when possible, gonioscopy with peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS), neovascular membrane (NVM) extension grading, as well as intraocular pressure (IOP) changes during treatment were recorded. All patients were followed for at least 7 months.

RESULTS: ICB resulted in a marked regression of anterior segment neovascularization with IOP control without filtering surgery in 2 cases. When PAS extended <330 degrees without previous glaucoma, no filtering surgery was needed to control IOP<18 mm Hg. Iris neovascularization extension had no prognostic value in terms of IOP control. After vascular regression following the administration of ICB, filtering surgery with drainage implants or trabeculectomy were performed when needed with no added difficulties owing to the underlying NVG. No macroscopic signs of corneal toxicity were detected, even when ICB injection had to be repeated. In this case, the time elapsed for the neovascular membrane to reappear at the anterior segment was 3 months.

CONCLUSION: ICB resulted in a rapid regression of the iris and angle neovascularization, which permitted to halt the progression of PAS process. This pilot study shows that intracameral injection of bevacizumab may be a helpful adjunct for the surgical treatment of NVG.