Intrastromal injection of bevacizumab in patients with corneal neovascularization

Abstract

Corneal neovascularization (NV) not only reduces visual acuity, but it also causes loss of the cornea's immune privilege, strongly contributing to a worse prognosis in penetrating keratoplasty. Several mediators participate in corneal angiogenesis, and the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been extensively proven. Anti-VEGF agents have been shown to be effective in slowing the growth of corneal neovessels. Bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF agent, has been successfully used in the treatment of corneal neovascularization. In this paper, we report a series of patients who underwent intracorneal bevacizumab injections to treat corneal vascularization.