Treatment of Blood Vessels in the Cornea

The cornea is the outer protective covering of the eye. It contains cells and proteins but no blood vessels, though it does receive vital nutrients from a liquid called aqueous humor, which fills a chamber behind the eye, as well as from tears. Blood vessels in the cornea can disrupt the ability of the eye to refract light and see clearly. Allergies, infections such as pink eye or conjunctiva or injury may produce the appearance of bloodshot eyes. A variety of treatments help relieve pain and help restore vision.

Corneal Ulcers

• Corneal ulcers and infections which result in dry eyes, irritation and redness can be treated with drops or gels that offer adequate nutrients to the surface as well as cornea of the eye. These nutrients can be found in blood and plasma. This process is known as an injection of autogenous (a patient's own blood) into the corneal tissues for relief of pain and curative treatment of mild irritation or lesions caused by heat injuries, conjunctivitis and ulcers.

Bevacizumab Therapy

• Engage in bevacizumab therapy, which helps reduce, slow or stop the growth of blood vessels in the cornea which may interrupt vision and eventually cause blindness. Bevacizumab (also known as Avastin) is used by cancer doctors to slow the growth of new blood vessels, most commonly in tumor growth. The medical goal of bevacizumab therapy is to inhibit the growth factors involved in the formation and development of blood vessels. Short term topical use of bevacizumab has been shown effective in corneal blood vessel treatments.

Cataract Care

• Removal of cataracts caused by cloudiness, often caused by growth of blood vessels and cellular tissues that create a film over the eye and cause loss of vision, are often an effective treatment to vessels or other growth in the cornea. Surgeons have had limited success with laser approaches or use of steroids in the reduction of size and growth of blood vessels in the cornea.