Purpose: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab (avastin) injection in cases of neovascular glaucoma.
Study design: Clinical case series.
Materials and methods: Sixteen eyes of 16 patients with rubeosis iridis and secondary glaucoma were administered intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (2.5 mg). The patients were followed for 2 months.
Results: We noted partial or complete regression of iris neovascularization 1 week after injection of bevacizumab. Reproliferation of new vessels was detected in 25% of the cases after 2 months. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) before injection was 28+/- 9.3 mm Hg under topical ss-blocker and systemic acetazolamide. One week after injection, the IOP decreased to 21.7+/- 11.5 mm Hg (5 cases without anti-glaucoma drugs, 6 cases with topical ss-blocker and 5 cases with both topical ss-blocker and systemic acetazolamide).
Conclusion: Intravitreal bevacizumab (avastin) injection leads to regression of iris neovascularization with subsequent drop of IOP in eyes with neovascular glaucoma.
Keywords: Avastin; Neovascular Glaucoma.