Corneal melting following intrastromal injection of bevacizumab for corneal neovascularization

Abstract

The aim is to report corneal melting following intrastromal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), bevacizumab, for pre-existing corneal neovascularization. A 68-year-old male with a history of failed bilateral penetrating keratoplasties due to scarring from childhood measles and trachoma underwent right eye superficial keratectomy, intrastromal bevacizumab, and amniotic membrane transplant to control the neovascularization in an overseas center. A week later developed corneal melting. In conclusion, anti-VEGF can be used in controlling corneal neovascularization, albeit, is associated with risks such as delayed epithelial healing and corneal melting, particularly in those with limbal stem cell deficiency.

Keywords

• anti-vascular endothelial growth factor
• corneal graft failure
• corneal melting
• corneal neovascularization
• graft rejection
• intrastromal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor
• intrastromal bevacizumab