Comparison of efficacy of subconjunctival bevacizumab and diathermy cauterization in corneal neovascularization.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of subconjunctival bevacizumab injection vs diathermy cautery in treatment of corneal neovascularization. Setting: Eye Unit-3, Institute of Ophthalmology, Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Period: September’24 to February'25. Methods: A total of 100 patients with superficial CNV were randomized into two equal groups. Group A received a single subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab (2.5 mg/0.1 mL)., while Group B received diathermy cauterization Efficacy was defined as ≥50% regression of neovessels after 4 weeks. Visual acuity, complication rates, and demographic variables were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Efficacy was significantly higher in the bevacizumab group (48.0%) compared to the Diathermy group (24.0%) (p = 0.012). Complication rates were lower in the bevacizumab group (14.0%) than in the diathermy group (28.0%), though not statistically significant. Subgroup analysis revealed higher efficacy in females treated with bevacizumab (50.0%) versus diathermy (16.7%, p = 0.021). Conclusion: Subconjunctival bevacizumab is more effective and safer than Diathermy cauterization for the treatment of superficial corneal neovascularization. It offers a practical solution and may be considered the preferred first-line option in similar clinical scenarios.