The association between corneal neovascularization and visual acuity: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Angiogenesis Research
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a pathological condition often associated with decreased visual acuity.
• Emerging therapies aim to inhibit corneal blood and lymphatic vessel growth, necessitating a re-evaluation of the CNV-vision link.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the association between corneal neovascularization reduction and visual acuity improvement following therapeutic interventions.
• To assess the current evidence supporting the hypothesis that inhibiting CNV enhances visual function.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was performed, searching electronic databases up to August 2009.
• Due to heterogeneity, a meta-analysis was not feasible; findings were reported descriptively.
• Eleven studies involving 131 patients treated with anti-VEGF or IRS-1 modulating agents were included.

Main Results:

• Ten of eleven studies showed statistically significant reduction in corneal neovascularization after treatment.
• However, only four studies reported a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity.
• No studies directly assessed the patient-level correlation between neovascularization change and visual acuity outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Current evidence is weak regarding the association between treatment-induced reduction in CNV and improved visual acuity.
• The hypothesis that reducing pathological neovascularization directly leads to better vision requires further investigation.
• Future studies with robust designs are necessary to clarify this relationship.