Corneal Neovascularisation

Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a serious condition that occurs when new blood vessels grow into the cornea, an area of the eye that normally doesn’t have blood vessels.

What Causes Corneal Neovascularisation?

 

    • Contact lens wear

    • Corneal infections

    • Ocular surface inflammation and injury

    • Chemical injury

    • Limbal stem cell deficiency

    • Traumatic injury

    • Bacterial and viral infection

    • Autoimmune conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome

    • Graft rejection

  • Cicatricial pemphigoid
 

In its advanced stages, this condition can threaten eyesight, which is why annual eye testing is recommended for people who wear contact lenses.

 

What Are The Symptoms?

Symptoms of corneal neovascularization can be subtle and may not be present at all, especially in early stages or with mild cases: 

    • Eye pain

    • Redness

    • Watery eyes

    • Light sensitivity

    • Discomfort or inability to wear contact lenses

    • Hazy vision

    • Decreased visual acuity

 

How Is It Treated?

 

Treatment for CNV can include: 

    • Corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory medications

    • Anti-VEGF therapies

    • Surgical options such as vessel occlusion and ocular surface reconstruction

Once blood vessels have grown into the cornea, they will not disappear completely. However, it is possible to stop their growth by increasing the oxygen getting to the cornea.