Efficacy of Bevacizumab to Reduce Lid Margin Vascularity and Alteration in Tear Film Status

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to observe the efficacy of a single injection of Bevacizumab into meibomian gland in decreasing eyelid margin vascularization and its effect on the level of the tear film. Study Design: Quasi Experimental Study Methods: Present study was carried out at Khalid Eye clinic, Karachi. It was done from April 2019 to July 2019 and incorporated eleven patients of either gender of an age range of 20 - 35 years. An inclusion criterion was blepharitis refractory to other treatment whereas patients less than 20 and greater than 35 years of age were excluded from this study. Patients were informed regarding the dynamics of this study and verbal consent was taken. The level of the tear film level was evaluated using Schirmer’s test 2 (without anesthesia) followed by Bevacizumab injection into the eyelid from the conjunctival side. The chief conclusion was a reduction in eyelid margin vascularization from grade 3 to grade 1 and improvement in the level of the tear film post 30 days. Results: This research incorporated eleven patients refractory to previous treatment for blepharitis and showed a noticeable reduction in the lid margin vascularity along with enhancement in the level of tear film one month post injecting Bevacizumab. Conclusion: Bevacizumab is an effective treatment in terms of reduction of vascularity of the lid margin and improvement in the level of tear film among patients afflicted with blepharitis refractory to other treatments.