ROLE OF BEVACIZUMAB IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HIGH RISK KERATOPLASTY

PURPOSE To study the efficacy of subconjunctival and deep stromal bevacizumab (2.5mg0.1ml) in preventing graft rejection and maintaining graft clarity in high risk keratoplasty. SETTING Tertiary care centre in South India METHODS In this prospective, interventional case series 7 eyes of 7 patients deemed to be high risk keratoplasties based on the presence of 3 clock hours of corneal vascularization underwent penetrating keratoplasty with subconjunctival bevacizumab (6 eyes) or deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty with deep stromal bevacizumab (1 eye). Main outcome measures studied were visual acuity and graft clarity at last follow up and episodes of graft rejection, if any. RESULTS After a mean follow up of 11.3 months, all grafts were clear with visual acuity ranging from 660 to 69. No eye suffered from graft rejection. CONCLUSION Subconjunctival and deep stromal bevacizumab at the time of surgery in high risk corneas offers increased chances of maintaining graft clarity and survival