Anti-VEGF Treatment of Corneal Neovascularization

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic factor shown to be a critical secreted cytokine in tumorigenesis and retinal neovascularization (NV). Currently, there are two anti-VEGF agents, pegaptanib and ranizumab, approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for intravitreal use in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Bevacizumab is FDA-approved for intravenous administration in the treatment of several cancers and is in widespread use, off-label, as an intravitreal injection to treat a variety of retinal pathologies. Animal studies demonstrate the role of VEGF in corneal NV. There are now a number of human case series reporting the use of anti-VEGF agents, primarily bevacizumab, to treat corneal NV. This review summarizes reports to date on the use of anti-VEGF agents in the treatment of corneal NV in humans, noting the limitations of current data and the need for further studies. The experience of one clinician with the use of an anti-VEGF drug in the treatment of active corneal NV is presented.