Treatment of inflamed pterygia or residual pterygial bed

Abstract

Aims: To describe the use of subconjunctival bevacizumab or ranibizumab, an approved antivascular endothelial growth factor for wet macular degeneration, in halting the inflammation of a pterygium or a partially excised pterygium.

Methods: Case reports.

Results: Prompt regression of conjunctival microvessels in the pterygial bed was documented 1 week after a single subconjunctival injection of ranibizumab (one case) or bevacizumab (two cases). No side-effects were noted over 13 months of follow-up in the first case, 6 months in the second case and 1 month in the third case.

Conclusion: Selective blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor was effective in causing regression of conjunctival microvessels in three eyes with inflamed pterygium or residual pterygia.