Inhibition of experimental corneal neovascularisation by bevacizumab (Avastin)

Aim: To evaluate the effect of topically administered bevacizumab (Avastin) on experimental corneal neovascularisation in rats. Methods: Silver nitrate sticks (75% silver nitrate, 25% potassium nitrate) were used to perform chemical cauterisation on the corneas of 16 eyes from 16 male Long Evans rats. For the following 7 days, the 10 eyes in the treatment group were instilled with bevacizumab 4 mg/ml drops twice daily, whereas the 6 eyes in the control group received placebo ( normal saline drops twice daily). Digital photographs of the cornea were analysed to determine the area of cornea covered by neovascularisation as a percentage of the total corneal area. Results: In the bevacizumab-treated eyes, neovascularisation covered, on average, 38.2% (15.5%) ( mean (SD)) of the corneal surface compared with 63.5% (5.0%) in the control group (p < 0.02, Mann-Whitney U test). Conclusion: Topically administered bevacizumab ( Avastin) at a concentration of 4 mg/ml limits corneal neovascularisation following chemical injury in the male Long Evans rat model.