Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival) is a medicine used in eye care, specifically as an injection under the conjunctiva, to help manage certain eye conditions by reducing the growth of new blood vessels.
| Drug class | Anti-VEGF Adjunct |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Subconjunctival Injection |
| Common strength | Varies |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival) is used for
Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival) is a specialized medication used in ophthalmology to address specific eye conditions. It is administered as an injection under the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye.
- Glaucoma-bleb vascularity modulation: This refers to managing the blood vessel growth around a ‘bleb’ formed after glaucoma surgery. A bleb is a small blister-like area created to help drain fluid from the eye and reduce eye pressure. Sometimes, unwanted blood vessels can grow around this bleb, which Bevacizumab helps to control.
- Surface neovascularisation: This term means the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels on the surface of the eye. Such vessel growth can sometimes interfere with vision or eye health, and Bevacizumab helps to reduce it.
Your eye specialist will determine if this treatment is suitable for your specific condition.
How it works
Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival) works by targeting a specific protein in the body called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). VEGF is a natural substance that plays a key role in stimulating the growth of new blood vessels. In certain eye conditions, an excess of VEGF can lead to the formation of unwanted or abnormal blood vessels, which can cause problems.
When Bevacizumab is injected under the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye), it acts as an ‘anti-VEGF’ agent. This means it blocks the action of VEGF, thereby reducing or inhibiting the growth of these new, abnormal blood vessels. By controlling this vessel growth, the medication helps to manage conditions like glaucoma-bleb vascularity and surface neovascularisation, contributing to better eye health and function.
How it’s used
Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival) is administered as an injection directly into the eye, specifically under the conjunctiva. This procedure is performed by a qualified retina specialist in a hospital setting. The strength of the medication used will vary depending on your specific condition and the doctor’s assessment.
The dosing of Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival) is determined ‘as indicated’ by your eye specialist. This means the doctor will decide the appropriate dose and frequency of the injection based on your individual eye condition, its severity, and your response to the treatment. It is not a medication that you would administer yourself at home. All aspects of its use, including preparation and administration, are handled by the medical team at the hospital.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands in India
Hospital-prepared or not marketed as a retail brand in India.
Please note
Given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist. After any intravitreal injection, seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light or a drop in vision — these can be signs of a serious infection (endophthalmitis).
Precautions & side effects
When considering Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival) treatment, it’s important to be aware of certain precautions and warnings:
- Route-specific entry: This medication is given as an injection under the conjunctiva. This specific route of administration has its own considerations, and your doctor will discuss these with you.
- Off-label use: It is important to understand that the use of Bevacizumab for these eye conditions is considered ‘off-label’. This means that while the active ingredient Bevacizumab is approved for other medical uses, its use specifically as a subconjunctival injection for eye conditions like glaucoma-bleb vascularity modulation and surface neovascularisation is not explicitly approved by regulatory bodies for this indication. However, it is a widely accepted and practiced treatment by ophthalmologists based on clinical experience and evidence. Your doctor will explain this to you.
- High Warning Level: This medication carries a ‘High’ warning level due to the nature of it being an injection inside the eye.
- Serious Infection Risk (Endophthalmitis): This is a critical warning. Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival) is given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist. After any intravitreal injection (which includes injections near or into the eye), you must seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop any of the following symptoms:
- Increasing pain in the eye
- Increasing redness of the eye
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- A noticeable drop or decrease in your vision
These symptoms can be signs of a serious eye infection called endophthalmitis, which requires urgent medical attention to prevent severe vision loss. Do not delay in contacting your eye doctor or going to the nearest eye emergency department if you experience any of these signs.
Always discuss any concerns or questions you have with your eye specialist before, during, and after your treatment.
Understanding Your Eye Condition and Treatment
At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge. If your doctor has recommended Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival), it’s likely you are dealing with a condition involving abnormal blood vessel growth in or around your eye. Conditions like glaucoma-bleb vascularity modulation and surface neovascularisation can impact your eye health. Glaucoma-bleb vascularity refers to the unwanted growth of blood vessels around a ‘bleb,’ which is a special drainage area created during glaucoma surgery to help lower eye pressure. When these vessels grow excessively, they can sometimes interfere with the bleb’s function. Surface neovascularisation simply means the growth of new, often abnormal, blood vessels on the surface of your eye. These new vessels can sometimes cause irritation, redness, or even affect your vision if left untreated. Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival) is a targeted treatment designed to help reduce this unwanted blood vessel growth, aiming to improve the health and function of your eye. Your eye specialist will have thoroughly assessed your condition and determined that this treatment is the most appropriate course of action for you.
It’s natural to feel anxious about eye treatments, especially injections. Please be assured that our team at Pristine Eye Hospitals is highly experienced and dedicated to providing you with the safest and most comfortable experience possible. We will explain each step of the procedure and answer all your questions. Remember, early intervention and adherence to your doctor’s advice are crucial for managing eye conditions effectively and preserving your vision. We are here to support you throughout your treatment journey.
General Eye Care, Hygiene, and Storage
While Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival) is administered in a hospital setting, general eye care and hygiene remain paramount, especially after any eye procedure. Always follow your doctor’s specific post-procedure instructions carefully. This might include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding rubbing your eyes, and keeping the eye area clean. When using any other eye drops or ointments at home, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or the medication bottle. Avoid touching the tip of the eye drop bottle or ointment tube to your eye or any other surface, as this can introduce germs and lead to infection. Store all eye medications as directed by your pharmacist or doctor, typically in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Never use expired medications. If you are unsure about how to correctly instil eye drops or apply ointment, please ask our hospital staff for a demonstration. Proper hygiene is a simple yet effective way to prevent complications and support the healing process of your eyes.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
Your safety and vision are our top priority. While Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival) is a beneficial treatment, it is crucial to be vigilant for any signs of complications, especially after an injection into the eye. A serious but rare complication called endophthalmitis (a severe eye infection) can occur. Therefore, it is absolutely vital that you contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms after your injection: increasing pain in the treated eye, significant and worsening redness of the eye, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), or any noticeable drop or decrease in your vision. These symptoms could indicate a serious infection that requires urgent treatment to prevent severe vision loss. Do not wait for these symptoms to worsen; prompt action is critical. Our emergency services are available, and you should not hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns. We are committed to providing you with comprehensive care and ensuring your well-being.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival) used for?
Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival) is used to treat specific eye conditions such as glaucoma-bleb vascularity modulation (managing blood vessel growth around a bleb after glaucoma surgery) and surface neovascularisation (reducing abnormal blood vessel growth on the surface of the eye).
How does Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival) work?
It works by acting as an 'anti-VEGF' agent. It blocks a protein called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), which is responsible for stimulating the growth of new blood vessels. By blocking VEGF, it helps to reduce or inhibit the growth of unwanted or abnormal blood vessels in the eye.
What are the common Indian brands for Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival)?
Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival) is not sold as a retail brand for this specific use. It is hospital-prepared from Avastin, meaning the medication is specially prepared by the hospital pharmacy from a larger vial of Avastin for individual patient use.
How is Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival) administered?
It is administered as an injection directly into the eye, specifically under the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye). This procedure is performed by a retina specialist in a hospital setting, and the dosing varies as indicated by your doctor.
Do I need a prescription for Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival)?
Yes, Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival) is a prescription-only medication and is exclusively for hospital use. It is not available for purchase over the counter or for self-administration.
What are the key precautions for Bevacizumab (Subconjunctival)?
It is given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist. A critical precaution is to seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or a drop in vision after the injection, as these can be signs of a serious eye infection (endophthalmitis). Also, its use for these eye conditions is considered 'off-label'.
References
- The efficiency of subconjunctival bevacizumab in refractory glaucoma – case report – PMC
- Use of anti-VEGF agents for wound modulation after trabeculectomy
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.