Strategies for management of corneal noevascularisation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Management of active and established corneal neovascularisation to prevent visual impairment
IRAS ID
167383
Contact name
Harminder Dua
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Eudract number
2015-003180-11
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
The cornea is the transparent window of the eye, which allows light to enter into the eye and also contributes to the focusing of the light rays. One of the major factors responsible for its transparency is the lack of blood vessels. However, following inflammation new blood vessels (corneal vascularisation [CVas]) grow into the cornea affecting its transparency and impairing vision. CVas leads to further damage in the form of scarring,oedema,fat deposition and is a major cause of corneal graft rejection.
In 2000 with ethical approval (OY129801) we developed and published a clinical technique called Fine Needle Diathermy occlusion of corneal vessels (FND)[1]. This has proven very successful for occluding established vessels and is practiced in many centers across the world. Recently it has been demonstrated that by inhibiting a chemical stimulant of vessel formation called vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) active new vessel growth in the retina can be suppressed. The approach is also being used for corneal new vessels. Bevacizumab (Avastin) is a chemical inhibitor of VEGF and is used extensively to treat retinal new vessels in macular degeneration. Avastin has been shown to be effective and safe in treating corneal new vessels.
We propose to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FND alone and FND combined with Avastin in treatment of CVas.
1. Pillai CT, Dua HS, Hossain P. Fine needle diathermy occlusion of corneal vessels. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2000;41:2148–53.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EM/0001
Date of REC Opinion
14 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion