The Effect of Bevacizumab (Avastin) in the Treatment of Lipid Keratopathy on Rabbit Eyes

1. Wei-Li Chen^1,2
2. Fung-Rong Hu^1,2

¹Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
²Center of Corneal Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

Purpose: To create a useful rabbit model for studying lipid keratopathy and evaluate the effect of subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab (Avastin) on these eyes.

Materials and Methods: Closed eye hard contact lens wear induced corneal neovascularizatin (NV) was performed on 16 rabbits fed with high cholesterol diets. Slit lamp biomicroscopy, IHC, anterior segments OCT and transmission electron microscopy were examined weekly for 2 months to confirm the formation of intracorneal lipid deposition. Subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab (Avastin) (2.5mg/0.1ml) was applied twice per weeks for totally 2 month after successfully creation of lipid keratopathy. The effect of Avastin on the treatment of lipid keratopathy was evaluated weekly for 2 months.

Results: Closed eye hard contact lens wear can rapidly induce corneal NV within one week. Extensive lipid deposition in anterior corneal stroma was found in rabbits fed with high cholesterol for 1 month. Avastin can inhibit the formation of corneal NV and accelerate the absorption of intracorneal lipid deposition if treated in the early stage.

Conclusions: Closed eye hard contact lens wear is a good animal model for studying corneal NV. It can be used for studying lipid keratopathy when combined with high cholesterol diet. Subconjunctival injection of avastin in early stage can treat corneal NV and intracorneal lipid deposition.