corneal neovascularization

In advanced stages, corneal neovascularization can threaten eyesight, which is why eye routine (annual) exams are recommended for contact lens patients.

Some evidence exists to suggest that the Angiotensin II receptor blocker drug Telmisartan will prevent corneal neovascularization.

Wearing lenses designed for daily wear overnight has an increased risk for corneal infections, corneal ulcers, and corneal neovascularization.

Modern rigid gas permeable and silicon hydrogel contact lenses have a much higher level of oxygen transmissibility, making them effective alternatives to help prevent corneal neovascularization.

Corneal neovascularization - excessive ingrowth of blood vessels from the limbal vascular plexus into the cornea, caused by deprivation of oxygen from the air.

One of the most common cause of corneal neovascularization is contact lens wear, especially those made with older hydrogel contact lens materials such as HEMA (2-hydroxy-ethyl methacrylate) for both daily and extended wear.

Ang-2 alone did not stimulate corneal neovascularization, but the combination of Ang-2 and VEGF resulted in longer vessels with greater circumferential extent than those seen with VEGF alone [ 9 ] .

Some severe cases result in thickening of the corneal surface, corneal erosion, punctate keratopathy, epithelial defects, corneal ulceration (sterile and infected), corneal neovascularization, corneal scarring, corneal thinning, and even corneal perforation.

In mice models of stromal keratitis and corneal neovascularization (HSV ocular disease), a small RNR2 C-terminal analog BILD 1263 has been reported to inhibit RNR and is effective in preventing these diseases.

Although some contact lenses (notably modern RGP and soft silicone hydrogel lenses) are made of materials with greater oxygen permeability that help reduce the risk of corneal neovascularization, patients considering LASIK are warned to avoid over-wearing their contact lenses.