Illustration symbolizing corneal neovascularization treatment with eye drops, representing restored vision and a bright future.

Vision Breakthrough: Can Eye Drops Replace Injections for Corneal Neovascularization?

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore how Sunitinib and Bevacizumab eye drops could revolutionize treatment for corneal neovascularization, offering new hope and convenience."

The cornea, that clear, protective window at the front of your eye, plays a crucial role in focusing light and enabling sight. Its transparency is maintained by the absence of blood vessels, a state known as avascularity. However, when new blood vessels invade the cornea—a condition called corneal neovascularization (CNV)—it can lead to vision impairment and even blindness.

CNV affects millions worldwide and can arise from infections, injuries, inflammation, or chemical burns. Current treatments often involve injections of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) drugs, which can be invasive and require frequent clinic visits. The search for less invasive, equally effective treatments has led researchers to explore the potential of eye drops containing similar medications.

This article delves into a groundbreaking study investigating the effects of Sunitinib and Bevacizumab eye drops on CNV. These drugs, known for their anti-angiogenic properties, are being examined for their ability to reduce blood vessel growth in the cornea by influencing key molecular players like VEGF and microRNAs (miRNAs). Join us as we explore how this research could revolutionize CNV treatment, offering a more convenient and accessible option for patients.

Sunitinib and Bevacizumab: A Non-Invasive Revolution for CNV Treatment?

Illustration symbolizing corneal neovascularization treatment with eye drops, representing restored vision and a bright future.

A recent study published in Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology investigated the effects of Sunitinib and Bevacizumab eye drops on corneal neovascularization (CNV). Conducted by Harun Cakmak, Esra Gokmen, and colleagues, the research explored whether these drugs, typically administered via injection, could effectively treat CNV when applied topically as eye drops. The study focused on the drugs' impact on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microRNA (miRNA) levels, key indicators of blood vessel growth.

Researchers induced CNV in rats using silver nitrate and then divided the animals into four groups:

Group 1 (Sunitinib): Treated with 0.5mg/ml Sunitinib eye drops.
Group 2 (Bevacizumab): Treated with 5mg/ml Bevacizumab eye drops.
Group 3 (Control): Received normal saline eye drops.
Group 4 (Vehicle): Received 1% DMSO eye drops (to control for any effects of the drug solvent).

The eye drops were administered twice daily for two weeks. After this period, the researchers assessed the corneas for vascularization and analyzed the levels of VEGF-A, VEGFR-2, and several miRNAs known to play a role in neovascularization. The results offered a promising glimpse into the potential of topical treatments for CNV.

The Future of CNV Treatment: A Clearer Vision Ahead

The study by Cakmak and colleagues offers a beacon of hope for individuals suffering from corneal neovascularization. By demonstrating the potential of Sunitinib and Bevacizumab eye drops, this research paves the way for less invasive, more accessible treatments. While further studies are needed to fully understand the long-term effects and optimal dosages, the findings suggest that topical application could revolutionize CNV management, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. As research progresses, the dream of clear vision without the need for injections may soon become a reality for millions.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is corneal neovascularization (CNV), and why is it a problem?

Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is the abnormal formation of new blood vessels in the cornea, the clear, protective outer layer of the eye. Normally, the cornea is avascular, meaning it lacks blood vessels to maintain its transparency and focus light correctly. However, CNV disrupts this, leading to vision impairment and potential blindness. It often arises from infections, injuries, inflammation, or chemical burns, making it a significant threat to vision health worldwide.

What are Sunitinib and Bevacizumab, and how do they relate to CNV treatment?

Sunitinib and Bevacizumab are medications that have anti-angiogenic properties, meaning they can inhibit the formation of new blood vessels. In the context of CNV, these drugs are crucial because they can potentially stop or slow down the abnormal blood vessel growth in the cornea. The research explored using Sunitinib and Bevacizumab in eye drop form, which could be a less invasive alternative to the current method of administering them via injection directly into the eye.

How did the study by Cakmak and colleagues investigate Sunitinib and Bevacizumab eye drops for CNV?

The study by Harun Cakmak, Esra Gokmen, and their colleagues induced CNV in rats using silver nitrate. The rats were then divided into groups and treated with different eye drops: one group received Sunitinib eye drops, another Bevacizumab eye drops, a control group received normal saline, and a vehicle group received 1% DMSO. The eye drops were administered twice daily for two weeks. Afterward, researchers assessed the corneas for vascularization and measured the levels of VEGF-A, VEGFR-2, and specific miRNAs to evaluate the drugs' effects on blood vessel growth at a molecular level. These measurements are important as VEGF and miRNAs are key indicators of blood vessel growth.

What were the key findings of the study regarding Sunitinib and Bevacizumab eye drops?

While the specific results of the study are not fully detailed, the research offered a promising glimpse into the potential of topical treatments for CNV. The study showed that the use of Sunitinib and Bevacizumab eye drops could be a step towards a less invasive, more accessible treatments. The research focused on the impact on key indicators of blood vessel growth such as VEGF and microRNAs (miRNAs), suggesting that these eye drops could potentially reduce blood vessel growth in the cornea. This paves the way for further studies to explore long-term effects and optimal dosages for effective CNV management.

What are the potential benefits of using Sunitinib and Bevacizumab eye drops instead of injections for CNV?

The primary advantage of Sunitinib and Bevacizumab eye drops over injections lies in their non-invasive nature. Current treatments often require direct injections into the eye, which can be uncomfortable, carry risks, and necessitate frequent clinic visits. Eye drops, on the other hand, offer a more convenient and accessible option for patients, potentially improving their quality of life. This study suggests that topical application could revolutionize CNV management, making treatment less burdensome and more patient-friendly. Further research is needed to confirm these benefits, but the prospect of clear vision without injections is a significant step forward for CNV treatment.