Role of intravitreal bevacizumab in neovascular glaucoma

We report on the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) for the treatment of neovascular glaucoma (NVG). A retrospective chart review of 6 consecutive cases of NVG was performed. The follow-up period was 3-19 months (average, 9.7 months). All patients received 1.25 mg (0.05 cc) of IVB followed by panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) approximately 1 week later. In all cases, there was a complete regression of iris and anterior chamber angle neovascularization. However, 2 eyes showed a recurrence of neovascularization; in 1 case, it recurred after 3 months, and in the second, after 5 months. These patients received another IVB injection followed by additional PRP, which resulted in the resolution of the recurrent neovascularization. Glaucoma was controlled with topical eye drops alone in patients who had iris and angle neovascularization without peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS). However, patients with PAS at the time of presentation needed subsequent glaucoma surgery. Our study suggests that IVB may be a valuable addition in the treatment of NVG by hastening the resolution of anterior segment neovascularization, improving the results of glaucoma surgeries, and appears to give long-term control when used in combination with PRP.