(-)-Epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) at the ocular surface inhibits corneal neovascularization

Corneal neovascularization is often accompanied by inflammatory response and loss of their immune privilege which leads to significant visual impairment and worsens the prognosis of a subsequent penetrating keratoplasty. Several types of treatment are currently used. However, there are some associated limitations and complications. The consumption of (-)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) has been studied extensively as a potential treatment for a variety of carcinogenic and degenerative diseases due to its ability to suppress a variety of inflammatory and angiogenic factors such as NF-κB, IL-1β, COX2, VEGF, and matrix metalloproteinases. These factors are involved in the development of corneal neovascularization. The safety of long-term EGCG administration as well as the drug's high solubility in water urge further investigation of the therapeutic potential of this drug. Therefore, we propose that the administration of EGCG to the ocular surface represents a new chemopreventive alternative to suppress the corneal neovascularization induced by inflammation.