Abstract

P 188

Topical Bevacizumab (Avastin) treatment of corneal neovascularisation

König Y., Bock F., Kruse F. E., Cursiefen C.
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Erlangen

Objective: To evaluate the short-term in vivo effect of topical bevacizumab (Avastin) eye drops on corneal neovascularization due to limbal stem cell insufficiency.
Methods: 4 patients (6 eyes) with corneal neovascularization received topical bevacizumab (Avastin) eye drops containing 5 mg/ml bevacizumab from 2 up to 9 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 image analysis program based on grey filter sampling to gain more objectivity and precision.
Results: All 4 patients (6 eyes) receiving topical bevacizumab treatment showed stable or improved visual acuity. Regression of neovascularization was observed on corneal photographs of 4 eyes. One eye did not show any changing of the neovascularization. Another eye had a slightly progression of the neovascularization. Except for 1 patient (1 eye) with persistent epithelial defects 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 for up to 9 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.

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