Topical bevacizumab for neovascular glaucoma: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Vascular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Bevacizumab (Avastin) is an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drug used for ocular conditions.
• Intravitreal administration is common, but topical application for neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is less explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical bevacizumab for treating neovascular glaucoma (NVG).

Main Methods:

• Patients with NVG received topical bevacizumab (25 mg/ml) four times daily for two weeks.
• Evaluated parameters included visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and iris neovascularization.
• Systemic parameters like heart rate and blood pressure were also monitored.

Main Results:

• Mean IOP decreased by 6.1 mm Hg (17.5%) after two weeks of treatment.
• Three patients experienced clinical regression of iris neovascularization.
• Adverse events were mild and transient, with no serious systemic events reported.

Conclusions:

• Topical bevacizumab appears to be a safe and potentially effective treatment for lowering IOP in NVG.
• It may also contribute to the regression of neovascularization in patients with NVG.