Bevacizumab (topical) eye drops are a hospital-compounded medicine used to treat abnormal blood vessel growth on the cornea, known as corneal neovascularisation.
| Drug class | Anti-VEGF (Topical) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Eye Drop |
| Common strength | 1% |
| Common Indian brands | Hospital-compounded from Avastin |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital-prepared) |
What Bevacizumab (topical) is used for
Bevacizumab (topical) eye drops are used to treat a condition called corneal neovascularisation. This is when new, abnormal blood vessels grow on the cornea, which is the clear front surface of your eye. These abnormal vessels can affect your vision and overall eye health.
- Corneal neovascularisation (off-label)
How it works
Bevacizumab (topical) works by blocking a substance in your body called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). VEGF is a protein that plays a key role in the growth of new blood vessels. By blocking VEGF, this medicine helps to reduce and regress the abnormal blood vessels that have grown on your cornea.
How it’s used
Your doctor will tell you exactly how many drops to use and how often. Typically, Bevacizumab (topical) eye drops are used 2 to 4 times a day. It is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get the best results from your treatment.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after using eye drops. Tilt your head back, gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a small pocket, and squeeze the prescribed number of drops into this pocket. Close your eye gently for a minute or two without blinking excessively. Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Hospital-compounded from Avastin
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
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
It is important to be aware of certain precautions when using Bevacizumab (topical) eye drops:
- Off-label use and hospital-compounded: This medicine is used for corneal neovascularisation as an ‘off-label’ treatment. This means it is being used for a purpose not specifically approved by regulatory bodies for this form, but based on medical evidence and your doctor’s judgment. It is also specially prepared (‘compounded’) by the hospital pharmacy from another medicine called Avastin.
- Other forms of Bevacizumab: Bevacizumab is also given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist for other eye conditions. The warning below specifically refers to the risks associated with such injections.
Important Warning for Injected Bevacizumab:
While Bevacizumab (topical) is an eye drop, Bevacizumab is also given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist for other conditions. After any intravitreal injection (injection inside the eye), you must seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or a drop in vision. These can be signs of a serious eye infection called endophthalmitis, which requires urgent medical attention.
Always discuss any concerns or questions you have with your doctor or pharmacist.
Understanding Corneal Neovascularisation
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye that covers the iris and pupil. It plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina, allowing you to see clearly. Normally, the cornea is avascular, meaning it does not have any blood vessels. This lack of blood vessels is essential for its transparency and clear vision.
However, in some conditions, abnormal blood vessels can start to grow onto the cornea from the surrounding white part of the eye (sclera). This condition is called corneal neovascularisation. These new blood vessels can be problematic because they can block light from entering the eye clearly, leading to blurred vision or even vision loss. They can also cause inflammation, scarring, and make the cornea more susceptible to other complications. Corneal neovascularisation can be caused by various factors, including eye injuries, infections, inflammation, chemical burns, or certain eye diseases. Your ophthalmologist will diagnose the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include medicines like Bevacizumab (topical) eye drops to help regress these abnormal vessels.
How to Use Eye Drops Correctly
Using eye drops correctly is very important to ensure the medicine works effectively and to prevent contamination. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions, but here are some general guidelines:
- Wash Your Hands: Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing germs into your eye.
- Prepare the Bottle: If the bottle has a cap, twist it off carefully. Do not touch the tip of the dropper with your fingers or let it touch any surface, including your eye or eyelashes. This helps keep the medicine sterile.
- Position Yourself: You can either sit or lie down. Tilt your head back slightly.
- Create a Pocket: Gently pull down your lower eyelid with one finger to create a small pocket between your eyelid and your eye.
- Instil the Drop: Hold the dropper bottle upside down with your other hand, directly over your eye. Look up towards the ceiling. Squeeze the bottle gently to release a single drop into the pocket you created. Do not let the tip touch your eye.
- Close Your Eye: After instilling the drop, close your eye gently for about one to two minutes. Avoid blinking excessively or squeezing your eyes shut, as this can push the medicine out.
- Apply Pressure (Optional): If advised by your doctor, you can gently press your finger against the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for a minute or two. This can help prevent the medicine from draining into your tear duct and entering your bloodstream.
- Wipe Excess: Gently blot any excess liquid around your eye with a clean tissue.
- Wash Hands Again: Wash your hands again to remove any medicine.
- Replace Cap: Securely replace the cap on the bottle.
If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications to allow each drop to be absorbed properly.
General Eye Care, Hygiene, and When to Seek Help
Maintaining good eye hygiene is crucial for overall eye health, especially when using eye medications. Always store your eye drops as directed by your pharmacist or doctor, usually at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not use eye drops past their expiry date, and discard them within the recommended period after opening (usually 28 days, but check the packaging or ask your pharmacist).
Never share your eye drops with anyone else, as this can spread infections. If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will advise you whether you should remove them before using the drops and how long to wait before reinserting them. In general, it’s often recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses during treatment for eye conditions to allow the eye to heal.
While using Bevacizumab (topical) eye drops, it’s important to be vigilant about any changes in your eye. You should seek immediate medical attention from your ophthalmologist or go to the nearest eye emergency department if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden, significant decrease in vision.
- Increasing eye pain or discomfort.
- Increased redness or irritation of the eye.
- New or worsening sensitivity to light.
- Discharge from the eye.
- Seeing new floaters or flashes of light.
- Any other new or worsening symptoms that concern you.
These symptoms could indicate a serious complication or infection. Regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist are essential to monitor your condition and the effectiveness of the treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bevacizumab (topical) used for?
Bevacizumab (topical) eye drops are used to treat corneal neovascularisation, which is the growth of abnormal blood vessels on the clear front surface of your eye (the cornea).
How does Bevacizumab (topical) work?
This medicine works by blocking a protein called VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor). By blocking VEGF, it helps to reduce and regress the abnormal blood vessels that have grown on your cornea.
What are the common brands of Bevacizumab (topical) in India?
Bevacizumab (topical) eye drops are typically not sold under a specific brand name as a ready-made eye drop. Instead, they are specially prepared or 'compounded' by the hospital pharmacy from a medicine called Avastin, specifically for your use.
How often should I use Bevacizumab (topical) eye drops?
You should use Bevacizumab (topical) eye drops exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Typically, they are used 2 to 4 times a day.
Do I need a prescription for Bevacizumab (topical)?
Yes, Bevacizumab (topical) is a prescription-only medicine and is prepared by the hospital pharmacy specifically for you under medical supervision.
What are the key precautions I should be aware of with Bevacizumab (topical)?
This medicine is used 'off-label' for corneal neovascularisation and is specially prepared by the hospital. It's important to note that Bevacizumab is also given as an injection inside the eye for other conditions. If you ever receive an injection of Bevacizumab inside your eye, you must seek immediate medical help if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or a drop in vision, as these can be signs of a serious infection.
References
- Short-term bevacizumab found safe, effective for stable CNV
- Clinical Outcomes of Topical Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Corneal Neovascularization
- Corneal Conditions – National Eye Institute
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- 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.