Abstract
Purpose::
To evaluate the short-term in vivo effect of topical bevacizumab (Avastin) application on corneal neovascularization due to limbal stem cell insufficiency.
Methods::
4 patients (6 eyes) with corneal neovascularization received topical bevacizumab (Avastin ) treatment containing 5 mg/ml bevacizumab from 2 up to 8 months. At each visit, a routine Snellen visual acuity assessment was performed. Changes in corneal neovascularization were assessed on corneal photographs. Morphometrical analysis of blood vessels was performed with an improved analysing method based on grey filter sampling to gain more objectivity and precision.
Results::
All 4 patients (6 eyes) receiving topical bevacizumab treatment showed improvements in visual acuity. Regression of neovascularization was observed on corneal photographs of all 4 patients. Except for 1 patient (1 eye) who developed a descemetocele 5 months after receiving local bevacizumab treatment the remaining 3 patients (5 eyes) showed no serious drug-related ocular or systemic adverse events during follow-up.
Conclusions::
Topical bevacizumab application was generally well tolerated over 8 months with improvements in visual acuity and regression of corneal neovascularization. While the long-term efficacy of local bevacizumab treatment remains unknown, this treatment principle may be a new effective way against corneal neovascularization due to limbal stem cell insufficiency.
Keywords: cornea: clinical science • neovascularization