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The efficacy of intralesional injection of bevacizumab (Avastin) in the management of primary pterygium

Background Pterygium is a triangular encroachment of the conjunctiva onto the cornea. Objectives This study aimed to assess the role of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (Avastin) in the management of primary pterygium. Patients and methods This was an interventional study. This study was carried out at the Ophthalmology Department of AL-Zahraa University Hospital. The study period was from October 2019 to September 2020. Thirty eyes from 30 patients with primary pterygia were included in this study. Results There was a difference in visual acuity between preinjection of Avastin and 3 months postinjection by mean −0.10±0.10; 16 patients showed an improvement (53.3%), while 14 patients were stable (46.7%). There is a difference in astigmatism between preinjection of Avastin and 3 months postinjection by mean (−0.15±0.33); 10 patients showed an improvement (33.3%), while 20 patients did not show an improvement (66.7%). No increase in astigmatism occurred in any patient postinjection. There was a highly significant decrease in color intensity starting from the 2nd week till the end of the 3rd month postinjection. There was no significant change in ocular tension postinjection. Conclusion Our results showed that Avastin injection is a viable option in arresting the progress of pterygium and improving the cosmetic appearance, with a slight decrease in pterygium dimensions, which in turn improved the degree of astigmatism produced by pterygium.