Current therapies in corneal vascularization

Abstract

A clear cornea is essential for excellent vision; that is why it is
avascular. But there are conditions that favor the invasion of
neovessels into the corneal tissue, such as infections,
inflammation, hypoxia, trauma, among others, which reduce visual
quality and in some cases even lose it. Corneal neovascularization
represents a major public health problem worldwide. An automated
search was carried out in order to find updated information on the
treatment of corneal neovascularization, for which the infomed
platform was used. The information was summarized in the final
document. On the subject, there is notable progress in understanding
the pathogenesis, improvement and safety of new treatments.
Corticosteroids and anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)
agents continue to be the first-line drugs, used mainly to prevent
the formation of new vessels, not for mature vessels, where the
best option is surgical or combined procedures. More experimental
studies are needed; and the existing ones should be used in clinical
trials to investigate the safe dose and side effects, and thus find
radical and more effective therapies that give patients with cornea
l neovascularization the hope of better visual quality.

Key words: Corneal vascularization; Pharmacotherapy; laser; surgical.