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Updated: May 29, 2026
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Published on: July 23, 2016
The effect of subconjunctival bevacizumab on corneal neovascularization, inflammation and re-epithelization in a
Glauco Reggiani Mello1, Marcos Longo Pizzolatti, Daniel Wasilewski
1Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA. glaucohrm@gmail.com
Purpose:
To evaluate the use of subconjunctival bevacizumab on corneal neovascularization in an experimental rabbit model for its effect on vessel extension, inflammation, and corneal epithelialization.
Methods:
In this prospective, randomized, blinded, experimental study, 20 rabbits were submitted to a chemical trauma with sodium hydroxide and subsequently divided into two groups. The experimental group received a subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab (0.15 m; 3.75 mg), and the control group received an injection of 0.15 ml saline solution. After 14 days, two blinded digital photograph analyses were conducted to evaluate the inflammation/diameter of the vessels according to pre-established criteria. A histopathological analysis of the cornea evaluated the state of the epithelium and the number of polymorphonuclear cells.
Results:
A concordance analysis using Kappa's statistic showed a satisfactory level of agreement between the two blinded digital photography analyses. The neovascular vessel length was greater in the control group (p<0.01) than in the study group. However, the histopathological examination revealed no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of the state of the epithelium and the number of polymorphonuclear cells.
Conclusions:
Subconjunctival bevacizumab inhibited neovascularization in the rabbit cornea. However, this drug was not effective at reducing inflammation. The drug did not induce persistent corneal epithelial defects.
Insights
Subconjunctival bevacizumab effectively inhibited corneal neovascularization in rabbits. However, it did not reduce inflammation or cause persistent epithelial defects, suggesting potential for treating corneal angiogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a pathological process involving new blood vessel growth in the cornea.
- CNV can impair vision and is often associated with inflammation and epithelial changes.
- Bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF antibody, has shown promise in inhibiting angiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of subconjunctival bevacizumab in a rabbit model of corneal neovascularization.
- To assess the effects of bevacizumab on vessel extension, corneal inflammation, and epithelial healing.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, blinded experimental study involving 20 rabbits with chemically induced corneal trauma.
- Rabbits received subconjunctival injections of bevacizumab or saline (control).
- Vessel diameter, inflammation, epithelial status, and polymorphonuclear cell infiltration were evaluated via digital imaging and histopathology.
Main Results:
- Subconjunctival bevacizumab significantly reduced the length of neovascular vessels compared to the control group (p<0.01).
- No statistically significant differences were observed in corneal epithelial status or polymorphonuclear cell infiltration between the groups.
- Digital photography analyses demonstrated satisfactory agreement between blinded evaluators.
Conclusions:
- Subconjunctival bevacizumab is effective in inhibiting corneal neovascularization in a rabbit model.
- Bevacizumab did not demonstrate efficacy in reducing corneal inflammation or inducing persistent epithelial defects.
- These findings support the potential therapeutic role of bevacizumab in managing corneal angiogenesis.
