Researchers at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Schepens Eye Research Institute have concluded that short-term topical bevacizumab therapy reduces the severity of corneal neovascularization (formation of new blood vessels in the cornea that can create impaired vision or vision loss) without local or systemic adverse effects.
Data from this study provide evidence that topical bevacizumab therapy could offer an alternative or adjunctive measure to conventional therapies in the treatment of corneal neovascularization. The results are currently published online on the Archives of Ophthalmology website at www.archophthalmol.com.
The study consisted of 10 patients with stable corneal neovasculariztion (NV) were treated with topical bevacizumab one percent for three weeks and followed up to 24 weeks. Baseline and sequential follow-up corneal photos were compared to assess the size and extent of corneal NV. For assessment of corneal NV, a novel quantitative method was used to measure three primary metrics, including neovascular area, vessel caliber, and neovessel invasion area. All local and systemic adverse events were monitored.
The patient population showed a significant reduction in two corneal NV metrics, including neovascular area and vessel caliber. From baseline visit to the last follow-up visit, the mean reduction was 47.1% ± 36.7% (P=0.001) for neovascular area and 54.1% ± 28.1 (and P < 0.001) for vessel caliber. The decrease in neovessel invasion area (12.2% ± 42.0%; P = 0.19) did not achieve statistical significance. Visual acuity and central corneal thickness showed no significant changes. Topical bevacizumab was well-tolerated with no adverse events. No significant changes were found in mean arterial pressure at any follow-up visit.