Combined use of superficial keratectomy and subconjunctival bevacizumab injection for corneal neovascularization.

PURPOSE: To report the effect of superficial keratectomy combined with subconjunctival bevacizumab injection in 2 cases of corneal neovascularization (NV).

METHODS

An interventional case series was undertaken on 2 patients with corneal NV: 1 due to sclerokeratitis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis and the other due to Terrien marginal degeneration. Both patients underwent superficial keratectomy combined with subconjunctival bevacizumab injection (2.5 mg/0.1 mL).

RESULTS

Corneal NV regressed with the surgical removal and showed no signs of recurrence after 3 months of follow-up. Both patients reported dramatic subjective improvement in their vision within 1-2 weeks. Best corrected visual acuity improved in 1 patient.

CONCLUSION

The combination of superficial keratectomy with subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab may offer a new strategy for the treatment of superficial corneal NV.