Intravitreal Bevacizumab (Avastin) as an Adjuvant Treatment in Cases of Neovascular Glaucoma

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.