The effect of topical bevacizumab on corneal neovascularization.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of topical bevacizumab on corneal neovascularization (NV) over a period of 3 months.

DESIGN

Prospective, nonrandomized, masked observational case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Ten eyes of 7 patients with corneal NV.

METHODS

Patients received topical bevacizumab (1.25%) twice daily. Ophthalmic evaluations included visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, and tonometry.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Corneal NV and changes in ophthalmic evaluations.

RESULTS

Decreased corneal NV was noted in 7 of 10 eyes, usually within 1 month of treatment. Epitheliopathy (epithelial defect, epithelial erosion) was observed in 6 of 10 eyes, 1 resulting in corneal thinning. Adverse effects generally appeared during the second month of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical application of bevacizumab was effective in reducing corneal NV within the first month. However, by the second month there was an increased risk of adverse effects.