The effect of bevacizumab for anterior segment neovascularization after silicone oil removal in eyes with previous vitreoretinal surgery

Aims To report the outcomes of the use of intracameral bevacizumab for iris neovascularization occurring after silicone oil (SO) removal in eyes undergoing vitreoretinal surgery (VRS). Material and Methods This study included 12 eyes that had iris neovascularization after SO removal. The clinical outcomes of 12 eyes after intravitreal bevacizumab injection were reviewed. Results There were eight men and four women with an average age of 41.58 +/- 12.68 years. All eyes had VRS for various vitreoretinal diseases. After the mean follow-up period of 9.7 +/- 5.3 months, SO removal was performed. Then, the patients were followed for more than 2 months and detailed retinal examinations and intraocular pressure (IOP) were normal during this period, but rubeosis iridis (RI) developed. RI was treated with 1 dose of 1.25 mg bevacizumab into the anterior chamber. After a mean follow-up period of 4.8 +/- 2.2 months, the regression of iris neovacularization was detected and IOP was below 21 mm Hg in all eyes. Conclusion Anterior segment neovascularization (ASNV) may develop through various mechanisms in patients with VRS after SO removal, and anterior chamber injection of bevacizumab may lead to regression of ASNV. Eye (2010) 24, 1243-1246; doi:10.1038/eye.2009.304; published online 18 December 2009