Use of Topical Lucentis in Subjects with Corneal Neovascularization

Corneal Neovascularization is the abnormal growth of blood vessels into the cornea and can put vision at risk.  The cornea does not normally contain blood vessels (is avascular), but certain conditions including trauma, infection and inflammation can cause the growth of vessels into the cornea.

This study is using ranibizumab (Lucentis).  Lucentis works by inhibiting the action of a molecule called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).  VEGF is a molecule that binds to certain cells to stimulate new blood vessel formation.  Using Lucentis is intended to stop the formation of new blood vessels in the cornea.  The purpose of this study is to see if an eye drop of Lucentis is safe and effective in stopping this growth of blood vessels.  This study is enrolling concurrently with a study using a drug called Avastin.  Patients will be recruited on an alternating schedule. 

This is a 16 week study consisting of up to 6 office visits.  During some of these visits photographs will be taken of the cornea using a slit-lamp microscope.